Falmouth adopts policy barring ICE enforcement operations on town property
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Summary
The Select Board adopted a policy, drafted by town counsel and coordinated with the police chief, that restricts and prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement operations on town property, signaling an intent to ensure residents feel comfortable using municipal services.
Town Manager Mike Rentshaw and Chair Bob Moscally described a new policy—drafted by Town Counsel Maura O'Keefe in consultation with Chief Lohrey—that the Select Board adopted to prohibit ICE enforcement operations on town-owned property, including town hall and municipal facilities. "It basically...restricts and prohibits ICE enforcement operations from occurring on town property," Rentshaw said.
Officials said the policy aims to ensure residents can use municipal services without fear and noted other Massachusetts municipalities have adopted similar measures. The board also said staff would revisit the public statement at an upcoming meeting and welcomed written suggestions from residents (public comment was not taken at the meeting where the policy was adopted).
Next steps: the board will review any suggested changes and will decide how to proceed with a letter to the federal delegation as suggested in the draft correspondence referenced in the packet.
