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Residents and council members raise concerns about Officer Derrick Williams and ICE presence
Summary
Public commenters addressed the City Council about Police Officer Derrick Williams and ICE tactical activity in Mount Vernon; council members offered limited public responses and pointed residents toward resources and the Police Benevolent Association.
Mount Vernon City Council heard public comment on Jan. 28, 2026, from four residents who raised concerns about Police Officer Derrick Williams and the presence of ICE tactical units in the city. Speakers included Donald Moore, Damon Jones and Michael Hannon speaking specifically about Officer Derrick Williams, and Geoff Munroe who spoke about the betterment of Mount Vernon and ICE activity.
Council President Derrick Thompson and Councilmember Andre Wallace said they could not comment on personal matters regarding Officer Williams during the public forum. Councilmember Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, citing her union leadership and connection to the Police Benevolent Association, said she wants safeguards so “a situation similar to Derrick Williams does not happen again” and made informational cards available for residents on interactions with ICE. Councilwoman Cathlin Gleason said she had reached out to the Westchester Blue Foundation for related resources. Acting Pro Tempore Jaevon Boxhill said he had spoken with city officials and the PBA and urged the public to be included in conversations about drone surveillance and other policing policies.
The council did not take formal action on any personnel matter at the meeting. The public-comment speakers and subsequent council remarks focused on community concern, resource referrals and calls for further discussion rather than any immediate vote or disciplinary action.
