Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ice Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Winchester council to end ICE contract at juvenile detention center
Summary
Dozens of residents used the Feb. 10 public‑comment period to urge Winchester City Council not to renew a contract that allows ICE to use beds at the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center, saying the contract should end when it expires Feb. 21. Speakers pressed council to act or use its appointment power over the NRJDC commission.
Dozens of Winchester residents used the city council’s public‑comment period on Feb. 10 to call on elected officials to end the city’s contract that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to place juveniles at the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Speakers said the current ICE agreement was signed five years ago and that the contract is scheduled to end Feb. 21. Claire Straubakis (Ward 4) told the council organizers had gathered “over 2,200 signatures” calling for an end to the contract and said councilors appointed members of the NRJDC commission, which she described as the body that controls the contract: “You gave them that power…Do y’all see this contradiction?”
Rodrigo urged the council to remove voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, saying, “We don’t want nicer cages for children. We want ICE out of Winchester.” Jack Tinsley told the council community members had toured the facility and that facility quality does not justify holding children for ICE. Several speakers contrasted local civic values with the consequences of the contract and said the city should not profit from it.
Others framed the issue as a moral and economic concern. Rosemarie Dojak said the contract is a “moral failing” and noted the contract’s stated end date of Feb. 21. David Titus, who opposed an extension, appealed to religious teachings in arguing Winchester should not allow ICE detention at the facility. Speakers also criticized the transparency and accessibility of NRJDC commission records, saying they had difficulty finding agendas, minutes and membership information.
Not all public comments dealt with ICE. Arthur Christian raised pedestrian safety and snow/ice clearing on Fairmont Avenue, urging fines or stronger enforcement for property owners who leave sidewalks uncleared. Jeff Milburn recommended considering zero‑based budgeting in the communications department. But the dominant theme of the public‑comment period was repeated, direct appeals to end the ICE contract.
Council members did not take formal action during public comment. President Sullivan closed the public‑comment period after the speakers concluded. Several speakers said the council has appointment power over the commission that oversees the juvenile detention center and urged elected officials to use that authority.
What’s next: Several speakers said the contract’s scheduled end date is Feb. 21; any council action to block renewal or otherwise alter the agreement would depend on the NRJDC commission’s procedures and any formal agenda item brought before the council.
