Commissioners voice support for cooperation with federal and state law enforcement; chair cites legal obligations
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Summary
Several Chatham County commissioners expressed support for local law enforcement cooperating with federal agencies including ICE, saying the county is legally obligated to assist when requested and warning refusal could risk county funds.
During the meeting, Commissioner Patrick K. Farrell used a point of personal privilege to say he “fully support[s] and encourage[s] local law enforcement cooperating with all state and federal agencies involved in legal, moral, and ethical police work in an effort to make our community safer.”
Chairman Chesery Ellis responded, noting the county’s legal obligations: “Whenever the assistance is asked for, we are in compliance. That is a law, and they are law enforcers. And so, therefore, they must enforce the law, and they have the support of this commission.”
Other commissioners spoke to related concerns. One commissioner said a letter circulating that claimed consultation with every commissioner in fact had not consulted him; speakers emphasized that no board vote had been taken on the subject and urged care in speaking for the full commission. Several commissioners warned that refusing to cooperate with certain federal agencies could jeopardize county funding.
No formal action or vote on intergovernmental cooperation was recorded in the meeting transcript; the remarks were statements of position and clarification of legal obligations.