policy
As town of Natick considers a proposed policy to make clear town's immigration documentation policy, someone within the heated debate has reportedly turned to vandalism.
CEO Kathryn Coughlin's automotive was vandalized last week with the words “Deport illegals” spray-painted on it reported. Coughlin confirmed the vehicle was hers but declined further comment to Boston.com
Deputy Police Chief Brian Lauzon confirmed the incident had been reported and said, “We are actively conducting an investigation.”
The vandalism occurred ahead of a select committee meeting on Wednesday where members will discuss a proposal policy on immigration presented on November twentieth.
The proposed policy clarifies town's role in enforcing federal immigration regulations. The proposal has received widespread opposition and support because it was first drafted last month.
The policy wouldn’t “create a city of refuge,” but what would it not accomplish?
According to a Memo released by townIn 2022, a “group of engaged residents” began a discussion with city officials about coping with immigration issues, including using Natick's “limited resources” and the best way to protect town from liabilities related to federal immigration enforcement can.
“The Select Committee does not take any particular stance on federal immigration policies or regulations – past, present or future,” the memo said.
The proposed policy would prohibit city employees from inquiring or collecting “information regarding an individual’s citizenship or immigration status” unless federal or state law requires it.
The policy also proposes that “no City employee shall detain any person based solely on the belief that the person is not legally present in the United States or that the person has committed an immigration violation.”
The city and its employees also wouldn’t act as immigration officials and wouldn’t “directly assist in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws,” the proposed policy states. Acting on issued warrants, summonses, and detentions are exempt from the policy.
Coughlin declined to comment on the vandalism and said the select committee was prepared to vote on the measure next week, on Dec. 18.
A fact sheet distributed by Natick reiterates that the proposal would allow immigrants, whether documented or not, to take part in police investigations without fear as victims or witnesses, and formalizes the practice that “no city government has the legal authority to To enforce or require immigration documents/immigrant status unless required by state or federal law.”
The policy does not provide shelter or assistance to immigrants or create a sanctuary city, the fact sheet says said.
MassGOP warns against proposal
The proposal comes as both the city of Boston and Massachusetts leaders have said they will not cooperate with mass deportations expected when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu has stressed that city law prevents local resources and personnel, including police, from working with federal agents.
In Natick, the Massachusetts Republican Party warned in a statement that the policy would push illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds into the Boston suburb. Leanne Harris, MassGOP committeewoman for Middlesex and Norfolk counties, said, “Natick deserves better.”
“This proposal sets Natick down a troubling path where political behavior takes precedence over the protection of residents,” Harris' statement said. “Preventing law enforcement from fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities risks turning the city into a magnet for criminal activity. We have already seen tragic examples across the state where shelter-in-place policies have failed to protect communities.”
Another committee member said the proposal could overwhelm local resources.
“Even democratic strongholds like New York City are struggling with the refugee crisis and are rethinking their stance on asylum policy,” said Nicky Meceli. “Natick is just not equipped for this.”
image credit : www.boston.com