At Tuesday’s meeting of the Lake County Board, five members defended the excesses of ICE and CBP agents in our community. Those members are Michael Danforth, Ann Main, Adam Schlik, Linda Pederson and J. Kevin Hunter who tried to inhibit a resolution designed to ban federal agents from using Lake County government property and personnel for operations. The use of our Lake County property is allowed only for Lake County activities.
Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart introduced resolution 25-1393 which prohibits federal agents from the use of county-owned parking lots, vacant properties and garages for their operations.
The resolution reads, “WHEREAS, the unauthorized use of Lake County Government’s resources, property, or personnel to facilitate civil immigration enforcement actions interferes with Lake County Government’s authority over, and its use of, its own resources, property, and personnel;”
The first opponent was Member Ann Maine who introduced an amendment seeking to strip out the language referring to “civil immigration enforcement actions.” This touched off debate which became heated at times.
Member Esiah Campos expressed that Maine’s amendment would water down the purpose of the original resolution and defined what the dramatically expanded immigration actions and tactics are really about.
Member Michael Danforth accused his fellow board members who favor the resolution of engaging in “kabuki theater.” He also excused that US citizens are being detained and ignored the excessive tactics employed by federal agents. At one point during his discourse, Danforth said of ICE, “they are not doing anything wrong.” Federal agents are often seen escalating encounters with the public by drawing weapons, ramming civilian vehicles and using excessive physical force. Danforth went on to angrily excoriate his fellow board members directing them to “tone down the rhetoric.”
After the remaining discussion completed, Maine’s amendment was voted on and failed 14 to 5.
Danforth then introduced an amendment intending to send the original resolution back to committee. His effort failed as well by a vote of 14 to 5.
Finally a vote was held on the original resolution to prevent federal agents from using Lake County property. It passed with 14 votes in favor and the same 5 objectors voting no.