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Monroe council hears hours of public comment, rejects resolution supporting immigrant communities
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment and a late amendment broadening its language, the Monroe Common Council voted down a nonbinding resolution intended to affirm support for immigrant residents. The council passed an amendment but rejected the final resolution 4–5.
The Monroe Common Council on Nov. 17 rejected a nonbinding resolution intended to express support for immigrant communities after hours of public comment and debate.
Alder Schaeffer read the measure as an effort "to foster a welcoming environment for all immigrants living in, working in and contributing to our city," emphasizing cooperation between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Public comment that preceded the council debate included speakers both urging adoption and urging rejection. "We have a lot to give," Amberly Aguilar told the council, describing her family’s deep ties to the community and urging support for recent arrivals.
Opponents argued the resolution was symbolic or could create confusion about local obligations. Deb Krediger said the declaration risked injecting partisan politics into city business and "does not change policy" or improve public safety. Several speakers raised concerns about potential costs to schools and health services if the city signaled an open‑door policy.
Council debate focused on wording and legal effects. The council voted 7–2 to amend language replacing references to "recent" or "new" immigrants with "all immigrants," but then rejected the amended resolution in a roll call vote, 4 yes to 5 no. Clerk roll calls show Alders Truhart, Schaeffer, McGuire and Vestine voted yes; Cleveland, Wharton Wyler, Frankie, Tolman and Miller voted no.
City Attorney Dan Barthoff told the council the resolution would be symbolic and would not change federal immigration enforcement: "This resolution is not any of those actions and does not put the city of Monroe in murky legal waters," he said while urging clarity about responsibilities.
Mayor opened the meeting to extensive public input before the vote, and the council moved the public comment time to two minutes per speaker to accommodate the crowd. After the vote the mayor noted the item was concluded and the council resumed other business.
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