Approximately a dozen Seneca County residents spoke during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, urging county officials not to sign voluntary agreements with Homeland Security or ICE. The comments came in the wake of last Thursday’s raid on a nutrition bar factory in Cato, which resulted in the detention of 69 workers. Five of the employees detained have been arrested for illegally re-entering the United States after previously being deported. Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone had described the raid as a “warning” to employers across the Northern District of New York.
Speakers on Tuesday emphasized the importance of immigration to the Finger Lakes economy and U.S. development. Frank Blaskowitz of Seneca Falls cited his immigrant heritage and the role of his ancestors in building U.S. Steel. Nikki Slater of Fayette noted that foreign-born residents contribute significantly to New York’s economy, while maintaining a lower crime rate than citizens.
Reverend Leah Ntuala of Seneca Falls highlighted concerns about due process, stating that detained workers appeared to have been denied their legal rights. Other speakers, including Rachel Weil of Seneca Falls and Bob Romick of Lodi, warned that assisting federal immigration raids could erode public trust in local law enforcement.
Local agreements with federal authorities can vary. In Cayuga County, for example, the sheriff’s department assisted with the Cato factory raid, and Sheriff Brian Schenck said the agency’s role was to provide perimeter security, traffic management, and support for families potentially affected by the enforcement action.
Seneca County has not entered into any such agreements. Those residents who spoke at this week’s meeting urged the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff to maintain that position, clarify whether any agreements are pending, and pass a resolution requiring full public discussion before any future cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
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