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Batavia officials are considering whether to prevent federal immigration agents from using city-owned property for enforcement actions. Supporters say the move would strengthen protections for local residents, but others questioned how it would work in practice.
Key things to know:
The City Council’s committee of the whole voted to have staff draft a formal ordinance restricting ICE from using Batavia property for civil immigration arrests.
One alderperson spoke in favor, sharing personal experiences and concerns about racial profiling, while another alderperson questioned whether such a measure would have any practical effect.
An official noted that most other municipalities with similar bans haven’t clearly defined how enforcement would work.
The discussion followed more than an hour of public comment, with most speakers supporting the proposed restrictions.
The council will review the drafted ordinance at a future meeting before taking a formal vote.
Watch the full committee meeting recording. Read more in this Daily Herald article.
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