Residents urge action after commission withheld vote on immigration-related resolution

Several residents used the public-comment period to criticize the commission for declining to vote on Resolution 20 26 2 at a prior meeting and to urge a formal policy restricting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement while preserving public-safety exceptions.

One commenter said the March 2 meeting "gave the appearance of a coordinated plan rather than open and deliberate discussion," accused commissioners of reading prepared, near-identical remarks and raised questions about compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The speaker told the commission, "We're watching you and we're counting on you." (public comment)

Lauren Mays described a pregnant woman detained for six weeks after calling police to report an assault; Mays said the woman had a $7,000 bond and had not received prenatal care while detained and urged the city to adopt stronger non-cooperation language rather than rely on personal pledges from officials. "I do not advise calling EGR public safety if you encounter ICE," Mays said, asking neighbors to film and intervene to help their neighbors.

Another resident, Liz Aldrich, cited about 50 public statements and a petition of roughly 130 residents in support of the resolution and said avoiding a vote eroded community trust. She said community engagement demonstrated clear support and asked the commission to provide transparent deliberation and a vote next time.

Commissioners acknowledged the comments and took note of requests for follow-up; there was no formal action on this agenda item that night.