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Somerville council approves $48,000 firehouse camera grant despite resident objections about DHS ties

Somerville City Council · February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Somerville City Council voted 9–1 to accept a $48,000 UASI grant to replace cameras at Fire Headquarters after residents raised concerns about potential Department of Homeland Security and ICE involvement; city staff and a legislative liaison said grant terms were vetted and limit federal access.

The Somerville City Council voted to accept and expend a $48,000 UASI grant for replacement security cameras at the city’s Fire Headquarters, approving agenda item 26‑0156 by roll call, 9 in favor and 1 opposed.

During public comment, Crystal Huff, who gave her Ward as Ward 5, urged the council to reject the grant and any increased integration with federal immigration enforcement. "Free money isn't free," Huff said, asking the council to "decide that we don't want more integration with Department of Homeland…

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