Hampton voters simplify petition opposing 287(g) ICE agreements after extended debate

A citizen petition (Article 38) that urged the town to oppose local law‑enforcement participation in federal Section 287(g) immigration agreements prompted some of the deliberative session’s most animated discussion. Petitioner Chris Muns told the meeting he supported keeping local police focused on criminal enforcement and not civil immigration matters; opponents said the article was unnecessary and expressed confidence in Chief of Police Alex Reno’s stated position not to enter 287(g) agreements.

Because the petition’s original text was lengthy, a voter‑proposed amendment simplified the article to a single sentence: that the town express opposition to the Hampton Police Department entering into a Section 287(g) agreement with ICE. That amendment passed on a voice vote (after a contested procedural sequence), and the Select Board subsequently recorded a 4‑0 recommendation in favor of the amended article. Supporters said the move would protect local policing priorities and avoid unbudgeted enforcement costs; opponents warned that the subject raises federal‑state‑local coordination issues and could be confusing to some voters.

The amended Article 38 will appear on the March 10 ballot. The deliberative session record shows both the petitioners’ concerns about due process and the police chief’s prior assurances that he did not plan to enter such an agreement.