GORHAM,N.H.- Residents turned out for Monday’s Selectboard meeting which became contentious when the subject of the town’s involvement in a federal partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement came up.
As it’s written the 287-G program gives state and local law enforcement officials the authority to under certain immigration officer functions under ICE directions amid oversight, however Chief Jimmy Willhotie explained that ICE officials cannot order local police to carry out tasks, and that the partnership only pertains to when a suspect is in custody.
Concerns over the town’s involvement grew after the Board of Selectmen last month recommended Willhoite withdraw from the agreement, which saw Willhoite push back and say the program keeps the community safe and does not alter the department’s mission or create new work or responsibilities and that the department needs to cooperate with ICE regardless of the agreement.
