O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

In May, a group of Manchester area citizens, concerned with programs allowing state and local law enforcement to partner with ICE to enforce federal immigration laws, met with Hillsborough County Sheriff Brian Newcomb. Sheriff Newcomb had signed the Memorandum of Agreement under the encouragement of Governor Ayotte, a contract known as 287(g), which is designed to extend the reach of federal immigration enforcement through state and county resources.

The group who met with Sheriff Newcomb, members of Granite State Organizing Project, are deeply concerned about the increasingly illegal, unjust, and draconian tactics targeting immigrants for detention and deportation. In asking why Sheriff Newcomb agreed to sign the 287(g) document, the group learned that he signed the MOA because it would provide him with training resources that he considered helpful. Sheriff Newcomb also said that he would write his own policy on how to employ 287(g), which would give him some control on determining how Hillsborough County will interact and support ICE agents.

Members of the GSOP asked if they could have some input on the sheriff’s policy, and he replied that he was always open to suggestion and would welcome other voices.
In the weeks following the meeting, calls were made to the sheriff’s office, but no reply came.

Finally, in mid-October, some GSOP members were able to meet with Sheriff Newcomb.

They learned that Newcomb had already written his policy for 287(g), and did not recall inviting input from those who met with him in May. Further, the sheriff had a copy of the policy on his desk, but refused to share the copy. He said that people can request a copy through the Freedom of Information Act.

Sheriff Newcomb, seemingly affable and welcoming of differing opinions, acted contrary to his word. We regret that he did not follow through and invite concerned citizens to participate in forming a policy which will potentially harm many people. His refusal to give a copy of a shows a disregard for transparency, poor behavior for a constitutional or officer accountable directly to the citizens through election. Many residents of Hillsborough County have come out in opposition to the 287(g) program, but the Sheriff has not clearly listened to his constituents.

The Reverend Sarah Rockwell is rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Manchester.

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