County participation with ICE concerning

The Session of First United Presbyterian Church, Troy, has raised deep concern over the possibility of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program 287(g) expanding into the Rensselaer County Jail.

We join with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S. A.) in denouncing the 287(g) program as creating a dangerous environment for families and entire communities. Deputizing local law enforcement officers to enforce immigration laws by its very nature leads to racial profiling. It also blurs the distinction between civil infractions in our immigration code (i.e. administrative matters) and criminal infractions in our criminal code (i.e. behavioral matters).

When the pastor and a representative from our church spoke against this expansion in two different public meetings (November 28 and December 5, 2017), the legislature assured us that Sheriff Russo would be invited to explain his application in a public setting. That has not occurred. According to the Jan. 19 Troy Record Sheriff Russo says, “… he most likely will not host a public forum, and will instead release a statement once the department decides whether to agree to the program or not.”

However, we continue to raise questions about ceding local authority to federal ICE agents and about training expenses for Rensselaer County Corrections Officers who would be expected to travel out of the county. What are the unforeseen consequences in our city and county, which has been experiencing much positive growth? Does the county really want to send a message to immigrant communities that local law enforcement is working hand-in-hand with ICE? How will this affect policing within immigrant communities who will now face even greater incentive to under-report crime? Most importantly, how can we justify adding to the growing fear in many homes, churches, schools and workplaces if we allow Sheriff Russo to expedite the kind of governmental overreach that destroys our capacity to build positive relationships with our immigrant neighbors.

We urge Sheriff Russo “to serve and protect” all residents of Rensselaer County, particularly the most vulnerable - in this case, our immigrant communities.

Elder Dana Parker

Clerk of Session First United Presbyterian Church

Troy

Letters should be e- mailed to letters@troyrecord.com. Letters should be around 400 words long and must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes.