Several members of Southold’s Public Safety Task Force urged the Town Board to adopt OLA of Eastern Long Island’s proposed immigration public safety law during a packed special meeting at the Southold Town Annex early Wednesday morning.

Supporters argued that putting the town’s response to federal immigration operations into law would provide residents with greater clarity and accountability than relying on informal police department policies.

Magda Rodriguez, one of the five community representatives recommending legislation, urged the board to move the proposal forward while remaining open to revisions.

“Our responsibility was not to debate federal immigration policy, but to consider what role Southold should play in protecting public safety here at home,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “If amendments can strengthen the legislation while preserving its core goals, they should be considered. I urge the Town Board to move this process forward.”

OLA’s proposed Public Safety and Accountability Local Law recognizes the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration laws and would not authorize Southold police to interfere with federal agents. It would instead establish reporting procedures when local officers respond to immigration operations, require certain information to be released publicly and maintain a community task force to review future enforcement activity.

East Hampton Town and East Hampton Village adopted versions of the law this spring. After the measures were adopted, Rep. Nick LaLota warned that he would oppose discretionary federal funding for East End municipalities that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

OLA executive director Minerva Perez urged officials to move beyond studying the issue and establish a clear plan for responding to future immigration operations.

“Children, too afraid to go to school. Parents, too afraid to have their children play outside. Families, not able to get to work or medical appointments,” Ms. Perez said. “Is this not enough of a problem?”

Ms. Perez said the law would clarify the town’s role during federal operations, improve communication with residents and allow officials to counter fear and rumors with verified information.

Greenport Mayor Kevin Stuessi also urged the Town Board to adopt the legislation, praised OLA’s work and called for increased police coverage in the village following repeated immigration enforcement actions.

“I have great respect for our police department and our chief, but they don’t have enough officers,” Mr. Stuessi said. “Our community needs to feel good and trust our police, and I believe with more police officers walking the streets and getting to know the kids that are getting off the bus and going home, this will be enormously helpful.”

Southold Democratic Committee chair Kathryn Casey Quigley said the precise form of the town’s response mattered less than establishing a clear plan.

“I don’t personally care whether this is a law or a resolution,” she said. “What I care about is action, and clarity and urgency.”

Mattituck attorney Stephen Kiely cautioned officials against allowing emotion alone to drive the town’s legislative response.

“I believe many of us share the hope that those who are simply trying to build a better life here should have a short path toward legal status and should not live in unwarranted fear — that compassion is real and it matters,” Mr. Kiely said. “I also believe that when we legislate from a place of emotion alone, we risk creating consequences that none of us intend.”

The Town Board created the volunteer Public Safety Task Force Feb. 10, six days after ICE agents detained three longtime North Fork residents during a sweep in and around Greenport. The panel was charged with examining federal immigration policies and proposed legislation and advising the board on possible public-safety measures.

Police Capt. Scott Latham, a member of the task force, assured residents that Southold officers will respond to anyone seeking help, regardless of immigration status.

“As far as the police department is concerned, ‘community’ is anybody who calls 911,” Mr. Latham said. “We don’t care who you are, what your background is, what your immigration status is, who you love, who you don’t love. If you call 911, we’re going to show up, and we’re going to treat you with kindness, respect and professionalism … We show up.”

The Town Board took no action Wednesday but is expected to discuss the proposal again Aug. 11. It could pursue OLA’s legislation, revise it or take a different approach. Any local law would have to be formally introduced and be subject to a public hearing before the board could vote.

Supervisor Al Krupski did not respond to a request for comment by Wednesday’s 2 p.m. press time.

Councilman Brian Mealy said the meeting gave the board a clearer picture of the competing concerns it must weigh before deciding how to proceed.

“I’m glad there will be Town Board discussion at the Aug. 11 work session, as we move forward toward an ultimate decision,” Mr. Mealy said.

The post Southold task force members press board to adopt OLA public safety law appeared first on The Suffolk Times.

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