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Public commenter accuses commission of complicity with ICE; chair points to state bills for review
Summary
Pamela Jones told the commission ICE operations were "terrorizing" immigrant communities and accused commissioners of inaction; the chair noted related state legislation ("senate bill 2223 and house bill 2219") will be on the steering committee agenda in June.
Pamela Jones, a resident from District 20 who spoke during public comments, delivered a critical three-minute statement accusing the commission of failing immigrant communities and saying ICE actions had harmed residents.
"ICE is currently terrorizing brown and black immigrant communities," Jones said, and alleged a commission agreement and subsequent "lies" had enabled enforcement actions at a local hospital. Her remarks included sharply critical language directed at commissioners and invoked her personal experience and community testimony.
Chairman Phillips responded by noting there is state legislation addressing aspects of the issue and said, "there was state legislation that was passed and it is a law, senate bill 2223 and house bill 2219," adding those items will be on the steering committee's June agenda for discussion and reporting back to the commission.
Jones' remarks were strongly worded and personal; the exchange did not produce an immediate policy action, but the chair indicated the steering committee will address related legislative matters in June.
