Residents urge Steuben County Legislature to end 287(g) agreements with ICE

A string of residents told the Steuben County Legislature on Feb. 23 that Steuben County should end both of its 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing civil‑rights concerns, alleged federal overreach and legal and fiscal risk.

Bill Mattingly of Irving addressed the legislature directly, saying, “I urge you to terminate both 287(g) agreements between Steuben County Sheriff's Office and ICE,” and arguing that federal agencies have been “transformed into enforcers of the budding dictatorship.” Other public speakers echoed Mattingly’s call: Wayne Wells warned of paramilitary tactics and threats to civil liberties, Barbara “Bertie” Burdick detailed examples she said show routine targeting of immigrants, and Linda Childs urged rescission of at least the 2025 agreement because of cost and control concerns. Dr. Thomas Chapman cited the memorandum‑of‑agreement language and potential local liability for salaries, benefits and overtime if counties are required to provide personnel and costs.

Supporters of rescission pointed to local and out‑of‑state examples and to guidance they said has come from the New York State attorney general’s office cautioning about these agreements. Joan Rosen read letters allegedly written by immigrants detained in family facilities, saying their accounts show harm to children and families. Those who spoke emphasized that their objection was to local participation in the federal program rather than to enforcing criminal law against violent offenders.

Legislators did not vote on terminating the agreements at the meeting. County staff and legal counsel said they would review recommended language and statutory interactions — and legislators noted that pending state legislation under Governor Kathy Hochul could affect local agreements depending on its final wording and retroactivity. No formal action to rescind a contract was recorded in open session.