Peekskill adopts immigration enforcement and discrimination policy after public hearing

The Peekskill Common Council on Feb. 23 voted to approve Resolution J17, adopting the city's immigration enforcement and discrimination policy (branded locally as ‘‘Peekskill for All’’ in public conversation). The city attorney noted that the final policy attached to J17 includes revisions requested by residents—procedures for investigations, written notifications of rights and a small typographic correction—while the public hearing provided an opportunity for residents to press for stronger, enforceable protections.

Public commenters repeatedly urged the council to convert the policy into an enforceable local ordinance rather than a resolution. As Cynthia Knox put it during the hearing: "I strongly believe that an ordinance is a more effective tool to reach the goal of protecting the community and ensuring that precious local tax dollars are not used for federal work." Council members said they will proceed by adopting the policy now and studying how to strengthen it or convert it into a local law, with several members indicating support to move forward promptly and others urging a short delay to consider state-level action.

City attorney Eric Gordon told the council the policy is enforced through investigation and disciplinary procedures and that, while a local law can be adopted later, the council could also pursue a local law after adopting the policy. The council closed the hearing and approved J17 by unanimous voice vote during the meeting.