Residents sharply divided over Riverton's memorandum with federal immigration authorities; mayor and police defend it

A substantial portion of the public-comment period focused on Riverton's recently signed memorandum of agreement with federal immigration authorities (described repeatedly by speakers as a 287(g)-style collaboration). Several residents urged the council to oppose the partnership, saying it risks racial profiling, erodes trust between immigrant communities and police, and threatens public-safety cooperation.

"I wanted to express my disappointment in the city entering a partnership with ICE at the end of August," Preston Fetzer told the council, arguing the move felt "driven by partisan politics" and urging the city to prioritize everyday municipal services instead. Other speakers, including attorneys and community members, cited research they said links similar programs to reduced cooperation with police and disproportionate enforcement against Latinx residents.

Mayor Staggs and the police chief responded in detail. The mayor said the agreement was reviewed by legal counsel and public-safety leadership, contended it "doesn't cost us anything," and described it as another task force-style tool akin to joint federal partnerships the city already participates in (for example, task forces with U.S. Marshals and regional SWAT arrangements). "This, I believe, is something that will enhance public safety," the mayor said. Chief Taylor confirmed the memorandum was vetted by police staff and said the arrangement aims to ensure the city is notified when federal agents operate locally rather than enabling routine citizenship checks during traffic stops.