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Residents and supporters clash in public comments over Henderson's ICE detainee agreement
Summary
Multiple residents urged Henderson City Council to end the city's contract to house ICE detainees; others spoke in favor of continued cooperation with federal authorities. Speakers cited recent reporting on detainee care and called for transparency or continuity.
Public commenters at the Henderson City Council's Feb. 3 meeting clashed over the city's memorandum of understanding to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees, with several residents urging the council to end the contract and others defending the partnership as necessary for public safety.
Yvonne Hernandez told the council she had previously asked the body to —end your contract to house ISD detainees at the Henderson Detention Center— and said she believes either party can give 30 days' notice to terminate the agreement. Hernandez cited recent reporting about a pregnant detainee's care and the death of Alex Priddy in an ICE-related incident to argue the city is supporting —an organization that has continued to violate the constitution.— (Speaker: Yvonne Hernandez)
Justin Lafferty, a resident who asked the council to agendize the MOU, said local taxpayers receive little benefit from the agreement. He referenced reporting that the revenue from Henderson's contract with ICE has fallen while detention costs have risen and urged elected officials to —go on record with our votes so voters know where you stand.— (Speaker: Justin Lafferty)
Those urging termination framed their remarks around transparency, detainee medical care and accountability. In contrast, several speakers publicly backed continued cooperation with ICE and local law enforcement. Kimmy Lindsay (who introduced herself as Kimberly Johnson and asked to be called —Kimmy—) credited the partnership with deporting people she described as dangerous, and Dr. Cheryl Giordano, a nurse practitioner, said she supports both police and ICE and urged the council to maintain the agreement to keep neighborhoods safe. (Speakers: Kimberly Johnson; Dr. Cheryl Giordano)
The council did not take action on the MOU during the meeting. City staff earlier reminded the public that matters raised during the final public comment period cannot be deliberated on the spot and will instead be referred to the appropriate city department through a Henderson case created by the city clerk's office. (Speaker: Louis Valdez)
The council adjourned at the end of public comment; no vote or direction on the ICE contract was recorded on Feb. 3.
