To the Editor:
I have many concerns about the article in the MV Times written by Barry Stringfellow (March 29, “Is Island-wide warrant article on police policy warranted?”), about the upcoming warrant article before many towns, asking that town funds not be used toward enforcing federal immigration laws.
The tone of the article, along with the headline, seem opposed to the need for a warrant article. The passage of the warrant article will help police-community relations, not undermine them. It will give local residents the certitude some might feel necessary to fully cooperate with law enforcement and keep our community safe. Police I have spoken to are not opposed to the warrant article.
The tone of the article seemed to undercut the fear many have that current practices by federal immigration officials are draconian. Recent news has highlighted excessive practices. According to National Public Radio, immigration officials arrested a man who had no warrant out on him, after they could not find his brother, who was under warrant. Immigration officials refused entry to a middle-aged Canadian who wanted to see his son, because the Canadian had one drug conviction in his early 20s. Police arrested a mother in Texas who had called them to report domestic violence.
A major flaw of the article is that it has no interviews with members of the immigrant community. Among many members of this community, the fear is palpable. A felony can be charged for nonviolent crimes, such as lying to an immigration official. Although such crimes are serious, do they justify a daughter losing her father, or a mother being torn away from her son?
The warrant article merely turns current practice into policy. Is that not a small gesture to ensure Island tranquility?
Stephen Power
Vineyard Haven
