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Maplewood adopts Immigrant Trust Act to limit local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement
Summary
The Maplewood Township Committee unanimously adopted Ordinance 4011‑26, the Maplewood Immigrant Trust Act, clarifying limits on municipal cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement, directing staff training and prompting study of a local immigration legal‑services fund.
Maplewood’s Township Committee unanimously adopted the Maplewood Immigrant Trust Act (Ordinance 4011‑26) on July 7, adopting new municipal rules limiting local use of town resources in connection with federal civil immigration enforcement and directing further outreach and staff training.
The ordinance, which committee members said aligns municipal policy with state law and the Attorney General’s immigrant‑trust directive, was described to the committee as a measure to protect resident privacy and to ensure municipal compliance with state guidance.
Cynthia Galliotta, co‑chair of SoMa Action Immigration, told the committee the ordinance “shows that the town of Maplewood is willing to stand up for immigrants who are being deliberately attacked and targeted,” and urged officials to act on behalf of residents with limited political power. Susan Vercheck, a co‑chair with Galliotta, said the ordinance will help educate residents about their rights and make the township’s position clear.
Committee members debated next steps for implementation. The member who moved adoption said the next actions should include staff training, including law‑enforcement training, preparation of an FAQ for public outreach and town hall meetings so residents understand their rights and township procedures when federal immigration authorities seek access to municipal property. The mover also asked the township attorney and administration to explore establishing a local immigration legal‑services fund to assist residents who need representation; several members expressed support for researching legal and funding options before committing resources.
Mayor Victor DeLuca called for clarity on how any new fund would be financed given an already‑adopted budget and asked administration to report back on budgetary options. Deputy Mayor Malia Herman and other committee members said front‑line advocates had told them legal services were a top need in the community.
The motion to adopt Ordinance 4011‑26 passed on a voice/roll‑call vote with all voting members recorded as yes. The committee directed the attorney and administrator to return with implementation plans, training details and options for outreach and possible funding mechanisms.
The ordinance was published in accordance with law and will be posted to the township website and bulletin board as required.
