June 6, 2011 Rescinding ICE Resolution…a Compromise!

I did not want to rescind the 2009 Resolution and I certainly did not desire to replace it with the 2011 Proposed Resolution!

Here is what we were actually faced with…

2009 Resolution…strong opposition to any local government agencies contracting with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purpose of enforcing Federal Immigration laws.

Versus:

2011 Proposed Resolution (BOC Regular Minutes 5/2/’11) …supports and encourages local law enforcement to continue using all legal means within their authority to enforce the laws of the United States

of America, the State of North Carolina and Chatham County. …that Chatham County supports the cooperation of local law enforcement with all Federal and State agencies as is necessary and feasible to enforce these laws.

Chairman Bock also stated “the new resolution is their opinion that that they feel they should be doing all that they can that is feasible”. 

These Resolutions are about as far apart as they could get!

Now we all know the new Board majority had the votes to replace the 2009 Resolution with their 2011 Resolution. We should also know that neither resolution has any legal effect on law enforcement agencies. They are already sworn to uphold the law and Chatham is already part of the Secure Communities Program as are all other counties in NC.

I discussed the issues with Commissioners Bock and Petty and we came to a compromise…No ICE Resolution…period!

I appreciate their compromise and our immigrant population should also.

Rescind 2009 Resolution with no replacement resolution

…approved 4-1(Kost)

BOC Discussion – http://www.chathamnc.org - 6/6/’11 Regular Minutes