A 5-2 vote at McCandless Council’s meeting on Feb. 23 approved a resolution that neither the town nor its police will aid federal agencies in enforcing noncriminal federal immigration laws.
Resolution No. 2026-03 was first presented at the Feb. 9 meeting, where residents voiced opinions on whether or not McCandless, namely its police department, should aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection related to civil law enforcement or Program 287(g).
“Most people in our community, documented or undocumented, want to do the right thing. But that has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with what we’re considering right here. What we’re considering tonight is keeping McCandless police doing McCandless police business and that is all,” said President Trish Cloonan, who voted for the resolution.
The vote ran along party lines, with a yes vote from all Democratic council members, including Laureen Alt, Nathan Babich, Cloonan, Nicholas Giorgetti and Jack Hickerson.
Republicans Doug Arlow and Joe Wall were opposed.
“We brought national politics into our town. In my opinion, we don’t have a crisis here,” Arlow said. “Our officers are highly trained and already perform their duties as the resolution suggests. I feel that this resolution will make it harder for our chief and officers to do their job.”
Two more versions of the resolution were presented at the Feb. 23 meeting with updated language, per Wall’s request at the Feb. 9 meeting. But the original, or Version A, was the first to be motioned for discussion and then passed.
With a room full of residents, even spilling into the Town Hall lobby, many offered emotionally charged public comments on the issue.
A common sentiment from those voicing public opposition to the resolution worried that this would turn McCandless into a sanctuary city, defined by the U.S. Justice Department as places “identified as having policies, laws or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
Many of those against the resolution feared this would increase criminal activity, including increased flow of illegal drug activity and human trafficking. They argued police already were doing their job and questioned the need and timing of the resolution.
“My concern is what will the town look like if we don’t have that security and safety of everybody involved in law enforcement together,” said Matt Allen of McCandless.
“(Stop) bringing national politics into our town. Stormwater, taxes, public safety, our property values and our parks … are things that council members should be concerned with. If people want to change federal law, contact their congressman or congresswoman,” Allen said.
Those for the resolution mostly expressed concern on what they say were harsh tactics of ICE and CBP. They also felt this would support the local police, giving them guidance and support not to aid immigration enforcement.
Irene Caliendo of McCandless supported the resolution, citing what she sees as brutal tactics of ICE and CBP to those who have the “basic human right” to live out their everyday lives.
“We have a moral duty to help those who need our help. In my opinion, passing Resolution 2026-03 will help the leadership and all citizens of McCandless in meeting our responsibilities, obligations and moral duty,” she said.
In summary, the resolution states the McCandless Police Department will continue to enforce any criminal warrant or court order issued by a detached judge or judicial officer.
It continues that town council “believes that enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility and it is not the responsibility of local officials to enforce immigration law.”
It will not “initiate or entertain requests” by federal agencies into a memorandum of understanding or agreement for the purposes of providing or dedicating time, money or other resources toward ICE or CBP noncriminal enforcement.
McCandless law enforcement officers will not ask victims or witnesses about immigration status, or, if known, not disclose to other agencies, unless given consent, required by law or pursuant to a criminal warrant or court order.
McCandless would not participate in Program 287(g), which allows a law enforcement agency to enforce certain aspects of U.S. immigration law, expanding a department’s authority to identify and process removable aliens with pending or active criminal charges, enforce limited immigration authorities with ICE oversight during routine duties, and serve and execute administrative warrants on removable aliens in a department’s jail, according to ice.gov.
Police training will be provided to the town’s law enforcement officers on these policies.
Council believes enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility and not one of local officials, per the resolution.
Giorgetti wanted to dispel what he said was misinformation.
“There is not one person on this council who suggested that we are going to turn McCandless into a sanctuary city,” Giorgetti said. “Crime is everywhere. Not one person behind this table supports crime or wants crime in this town.”
“This prevents our police officers from doing the job of ICE,” Giorgetti said.
Wall said “fearmongering” is on both sides of the aisle and concerns with immigration laws should be addressed to state legislators. He questioned the purpose of codifying something that police already are doing.
“Telling them not to do something that they were not going to do anyway, to me, is stupid. We have to trust our law enforcement,” he said.
Noted Alt: “I hear a lot tonight on the need to follow the law. Where would we be if laws weren’t challenged or laws weren’t changed?”
Cloonan said McCandless police Chief Ryan Hawk may contact any other law enforcement necessary to expedite the arrest, due process and the holding of that individual to the fullest extent of the law.
“We are not stopping that. This is a resolution about McCandless police. I think it’s unanimous that this town supports (the) McCandless Police Department,” Cloonan said.
Wall, along with other council members, reported receiving negative and personal attacks via emails and messages.
“We have to come out of here united. We may disagree, but we are one town,” Wall said.
The full resolution is available on the town’s website at townofmccandless.org.
