Amid Immigration Controversy, Barnstable Tables Decision On ICE Cooperation

BARNSTABLE, MA — In a sharply divided vote, Barnstable County representatives on Tuesday tabled a proposal that would limit local help with federal immigration enforcement.

After hours of emotional public testimony on both sides of the issue, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates voted to delay action on a proposed ordinance restricting cooperation with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

The measure would prohibit federal immigration enforcement activity on county property, bar the sharing of residents’ personal information, and establish guidelines for how county employees cooperate with immigration authorities.

Many supporters framed the proposal as a response to growing fear among immigrant communities on Cape Cod.

Rod McDonald, a Presbyterian minister from Brewster, described witnessing an ICE raid in Dennis and referenced the arrest of Thiago Bastos outside a courthouse.

“They were in plain clothes. They did not identify themselves. They did not present a warrant,” McDonald told delegates. “And just like that, a young man and his family’s lives were torn apart.”

“It’s disturbing to see the behavior of ICE as it has happened around our county,” he added.

After the extended debate, delegates voted 8-7 to postpone a final decision while seeking additional information on how the ordinance could affect county operations.