St. Charles County council approves MOU allowing limited 287(g) task‑force cooperation with DHS
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Summary
After extended public comment opposing local cooperation with ICE, the St. Charles County Council voted to authorize a memorandum of agreement under 8 U.S.C. §1357(g). County leaders said the agreement provides training and limited assistance; opponents warned it will undermine trust and impose costs and liability.
The St. Charles County Council on March 30 approved Bill 5474, authorizing the county executive to enter a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Homeland Security under 8 U.S.C. §1357(g) to participate in a task‑force model that includes immigration‑related training for county officers.
County executive and law‑enforcement leaders told the council the agreement is narrowly focused on training and administrative access. "More safe, definitely," Chief Frizz said when asked whether the agreement would improve safety. The chief and the county executive emphasized that the MOU "doesn't put us under ICE control," that officers retain their ordinary discretion, and that St. Charles County officers will follow county policies and procedures, including the use of body cameras.
Despite those assurances, opponents in a crowded public‑comment period urged the council to reject the measure. "I just don't trust ICE," said Jose Sarmiento Lardizabal, who identified himself as a St. Charles resident. Monica Balisteri, a candidate for County Council District 7, told the council: "This agreement doesn't strengthen our police department. It burdens it," warning that costs, liability and the risk of eroding community trust could follow.
Other residents and advocates recounted incidents and described potential harms if local officers became entangled in immigration enforcement. "Signing a task force model 287(g) agreement will turn local law enforcement into a show me your papers force," Angelica Mitchell said, describing fears in immigrant communities that the agreement could deter crime reporting and cooperation with police.
Council members who supported the measure said it will expedite processes when immigration status becomes relevant to investigations and return officers to patrol more quickly. On roll call the council recorded affirmative votes from Hammond, Elam, Hollander, York, Baker, Swanson and Bridal; the clerk declared Bill 5474 passed.
The ordinance authorizes the county executive to execute the MOU but does not obligate the county to any particular operational deployment beyond the written terms; council members said the county retains the ability to withdraw if asked to perform actions it deems improper. The council did not identify specific funding allocations for future training or operations during the vote discussion, and officials said the county would not accept federal reimbursement for costs tied to the agreement.
Next steps: the county executive may proceed to execute the memorandum consistent with the approved ordinance and the terms described to council; members of the public and several council members said they would monitor implementation and legal liabilities as the program moves forward.
