Dear Members of the Southold Town Board,
I respectfully urge the Town Board to reject any resolution proposed by the Public Safety Task Force that would prohibit or unnecessarily discourage the Southold Town Police Department from lawfully cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal law enforcement agencies when such cooperation is authorized under federal and New York State law.
The Southold Town Police Department exists to protect the safety of everyone in our community. While immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, there are circumstances where cooperation between local and federal law enforcement serves an important public safety purpose, particularly when individuals arrested for or convicted of serious criminal offenses are involved.
Public safety is strengthened when local, state, and federal agencies communicate and coordinate within the limits of the law. Preventing lawful cooperation could unnecessarily limit the ability of law enforcement to share information and respond effectively to criminal activity.
At the same time, any cooperation should always respect constitutional rights, due process, and the dignity of every individual. Law abiding residents should continue to feel confident reporting crimes, seeking emergency assistance, and working with local police without fear of discrimination.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Town Board to reject any proposal that would restrict the Police Department from exercising lawful discretion in cooperating with federal authorities. Instead, I encourage the Board to support policies that preserve local decision making, promote appropriate interagency cooperation, and prioritize the safety and security of everyone who lives, works, and visits the Town of Southold.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jason Taggart