The controversy over immigration policies took center stage at a recent Lackawanna County commissioners meeting, drawing a polarized crowd that mirrors the national discourse. The debate highlighted conflicting views regarding the role of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in local communities.
During the meeting, Commissioner Bill Gaughan’s proposed legislation, known as the Protect Our Neighbors Act, was a focal point. This act aims to regulate how county employees interact with immigrants and immigration enforcement, sparking significant public input.
Sarah Balmer, a resident of Covington Township, voiced her concerns, stating, “We support immigration laws, but we no longer support ICE. We do not trust ICE to uphold the Constitution. Disappearing people with no due process is fundamentally un-American, and I respectfully ask that you vote in favor of this act.”
Conversely, supporters of strict immigration policies advocated for cooperation with ICE to prevent the entry of potentially dangerous individuals into the country. Len Dobrzyn from Blakely expressed this viewpoint, distinguishing between immigrants who followed due process and those entering illegally. “An immigrant, yes, he has the right to the Fourth Amendment. He went through the process … and he did everything he’s supposed to. The other guy snuck over the border, and he came here illegal(ly),” Dobrzyn remarked.
Gaughan’s Proposal
Gaughan’s Protect Our Neighbors Act outlines several prohibitions for county employees:
- Asking about an individual’s immigration status unless legally required.
- Conditioning county services or benefits on immigration status, unless mandated by law.
- Detaining individuals solely based on an ICE detainer without a valid warrant.
- Participating in immigration enforcement activities.
Commissioner Thom Welby emphasized that the proposal is under careful review by county lawyers, stating, “It’s not being taken lightly. We want to have all the information that is necessary to make a proper and appropriate decision.”
The proposal followed a recent incident where immigration agents were involved in the fatal shooting of two individuals in Minneapolis, which Gaughan cited as a warning of potential government overreach.
Community Reactions
The meeting was marked by diverse opinions from the public. Scranton businessman Bob Bolus, who has offered office space to ICE, criticized the proposal as “dangerous and reckless.” He argued, “Why not explain the truth to the people that ICE is a federal enforcement agency authorized by Congress to enforce federal immigration law, and their operations are sanctioned by Congress, so it’s dangerous, foolish and stupid to try and interfere with them.”
On the other hand, Marty Gatto from Dalton highlighted Scranton’s multicultural history, advocating for the benefits of diversity and warning against cooperating with ICE, which he suggested could lead to “more violent murders.”
Sarah Balmer shared a personal experience involving ICE agents, which left her and her daughter feeling threatened and fearful. She described an encounter with ICE agents in North Scranton, where they witnessed armed men questioning a resident. “I do not think I’ve ever been more afraid in my life,” Balmer said, recounting the event’s impact on her daughter.
Julie Schumacher Cohen, a Scranton resident, provided statistical context, noting that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than U.S. citizens. She stated, “And of those currently held by ICE, just 14% have been charged or convicted of violent crimes.”
Future Considerations
The discussion also touched on potential legal and financial implications for the county. Beth Perry from Clarks Summit warned of the liabilities associated with cooperating with ICE, citing a recent $112 million lawsuit in Suffolk County, New York, due to unlawful detentions.
State Representative Maureen Madden expressed support for Gaughan’s proposal, emphasizing the need for local governments to resist federal overreach. “You are standing up to a rogue government, and I wish that more local governments would do what you’re doing,” Madden said.
Attorney Michael Giannetta argued for collaboration with federal law enforcement, pointing to the public’s desire for secure borders. “Many are criminals, and the people voted to have them removed,” Giannetta stated.
As the community awaits the commissioners’ decision, the debate underscores the complexity and emotional weight of immigration issues at both local and national levels.
