Daniel Latona, a union member and community organizer from Ward 8, told the Poughkeepsie Common Council on June 10 that the city should publish "know your rights" information for immigrant residents following a recent arrest that he said involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Latona told the council that "Earlier today, New York City comptroller Bridal Lander was arrested while he was escorting a defendant out of immigration court. ICE arrested him. They did not have the authority to arrest him as a US citizen, but they did it anyway even though they were on camera." He said the incident shows a need for the city to share information for immigrant residents and urged officials to distribute that guidance on the city's Facebook page and on the Buzz.

Latona said that "over 20% of Poughkeepsie's population is foreign born" and argued that posting guidance would help immigrants know their rights if they are stopped by ICE. He told the council, "Sharing information about people's rights is not a violation of the law." He also said Poughkeepsie was listed on the Department of Homeland Security website.

The remarks came during the meeting's public participation period. Latona also spoke about other community concerns in the same comment period, including local traffic and neighborhood trees, and identified himself as a candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary for common council in Ward 8.

The transcript does not show the Common Council taking formal action in response to Latona's request during the June 10 meeting, and no staff direction or follow-up assignment is recorded in the available excerpt.

Latona's full public comment included requests and observations on multiple topics; this article covers only his statement and request that the city share immigrant rights information.