Residents urge Jackson town council to back resolution supporting immigrant residents

Dozens of residents used the council’s public-comment period to press the Town Council to adopt a resolution expressing support for Jackson’s immigrant residents.

Emily Gomez, who identified herself as a resident and asked the council to consider a resolution, said the measure would not fix federal policy but would “communicate who belongs here, who's valued here, and what kind of community we wanna be.” She asked, “do symbolic statements matter, or do they not?”

Other speakers described specific incidents and fear in the community. Vanessa Chavaraga said ICE had arrested more than 200 people from the community and that “when local leaders do not act, immigrants are left with only one assumption: our town is okay with what's happening to us.” Sam Strauss, speaking by video, said the town’s silence amounted to complicity and urged the council to adopt a resolution similar to the county commission’s unanimous action earlier that day.

Supporters framed the requested resolution as symbolic but consequential: several speakers said public statements can reduce fear and keep community members engaged in daily life, from going to work to sending children to school. Emily Gomez and others asked staff to bring a resolution forward for formal council consideration at a future regular meeting, where it could be discussed and acted on.

Councilors did not take action on the request during this special meeting because, as the mayor explained, public comment on non-agendized items cannot be acted on at a special meeting. Several councilors and the mayor acknowledged the community concern and indicated the item could be placed on a future regular meeting agenda for formal consideration.