Committee backs Plymouth Community Trust bylaw to codify local limits on federal immigration cooperation

The Advisory & Finance Committee voted 9-3-0 to recommend Article 37, a proposed bylaw titled the Plymouth Community Trust bylaw that seeks to codify limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to formalize existing policy.

Art Desloges introduced the article with Kate Butler (League of Women Voters) and Lori Fitzpatrick (Together We Can), arguing the bylaw would build community trust, protect residents’ rights, create an "all government" durable approach and prevent policy changes from being reversed by personnel changes. Proponents said the bylaw largely mirrors other "Trust Acts" already reviewed by the Attorney General and stressed it would not change current police procedures.

Opponents, including Mr. Snyder and others, expressed concern that adopting language characterized by some as "sanctuary" language could jeopardize state or federal grant funding; Mr. Snyder specifically opposed language that might prevent police from detaining someone in criminal matters. Mr. Desloges and proponents responded that the bylaw is not intended to prevent cooperation on criminal matters and that it codifies, rather than replaces, current practice.

The committee discussed definitions and wording; some members said they supported codification for durability while others feared fiscal risk. Ms. Reitman moved to recommend Article 37 and Ms. Richards seconded; the motion carried 9-3-0. The article will be forwarded to Town Meeting with the committee’s recommendation.

Next steps: Article 37 will appear on the Spring Town Meeting warrant with a committee recommendation in favor; legal language and definitions may be refined before final action.