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Residents urge Irondequoit to codify protections for immigrants during public comment
Summary
Several residents and members of Protect Irondequoit Neighbors urged the Town Board to adopt a written policy limiting local cooperation with ICE and to publicly affirm safety for immigrant and refugee residents, citing recent state law changes and offering volunteer help to draft local measures.
Several residents urged the Irondequoit Town Board on June 16 to adopt a formal town policy limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and explicitly signaling the town as a safe place for immigrants and refugees.
At the start of the public comment period, Sue Elliott, who said she lives on Skyway Lane and represents a group called Protect Irondequoit Neighbors (PIN), urged the board to “protect the entire town by coming up with a codified announcement” mirroring protections in the recent New York State budget. “We will be glad to support you,” she said, offering volunteer assistance to draft local language.
Peggy Fournier, who identified herself as a PIN member, referenced federal plans to deploy additional ICE agents to New York City and asked Irondequoit to “preemptively establish written policy that states that Irondequoit police will not collaborate with ICE formally or informally.”
Other speakers reinforced the appeal. Cathy (Catherine) Krup praised the board’s recent Juneteenth and Pride proclamations and said bringing protections into local law would “build community trust in town policy.” Drew Herziger thanked DPW for recent road work and the recreation staff for Pride-themed events, and said residents “need you to say that out loud, in writing” that the town will not participate in illegal detentions.
The remarks came after the board’s proclamation recognizing Juneteenth and before routine business items. No formal town action on an anti-cooperation ordinance was taken at the meeting; speakers asked the board to direct staff or introduce a local law. Several speakers referenced New York State’s recent budget provisions limiting law-enforcement cooperation with ICE and asked Irondequoit to consider going further.
The board did not announce a specific next step during the meeting. Several speakers left written materials for the clerk and offered to help town staff draft language.
An immediate local-law introduction, referral to staff, or a designated study were not recorded in the meeting minutes; the public commenters asked for a public, written affirmation and offered volunteer assistance.
