On May Day, Mayor David Narkewicz agreed to implement reforms designed to increase protections for immigrants and workers in Northampton. Since this time, the mayor has not publicly released any timeline for the implementation of these changes nor has he kept his meetings with the Pioneer Valley Worker’s Committee regarding this process.

As a resident of this community, I strongly urge the Mayor to meet with Committee members as part of his mission to build trust and partnership with immigrants in Northampton.

In August of 2014, Mayor Narkewicz issued an Executive Policy Order designed to build trust between immigrants living in Northampton and the Northampton Police Department. In it he stated, “Although the Northampton Police Department is and has been committed to the respectful treatment of immigrants, the formalization of that commitment in NPD policies and procedures is an important step in communicating and strengthening that trust relationship with our city’s immigrant communities.”

Although the directives to the NPD were an important step towards building trust with immigrants residing in the community, the political climate in the state and nation have dramatically shifted. With the Governor refusing to support Safe Communities protections, even though they in no way violate 8 USC 1373 under federal law, it is more crucial than ever that Mayor Narkewicz renew his commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community for all residents. This includes directing the NPD to desist using COP LINK, a police database that shares information with ICE, which compromises the security of immigrants residing in Northampton.

I strongly urge the mayor to honor the commitment he made in May to pass protections that would further protect immigrants and workers in Northampton. This needs to be a collaborative process that includes the input of the Worker’s Committee, who have worked doggedly to fight for protections that benefit the community at large.

Mayor Narkewicz has taken concrete measures in the past that signal his dedication to immigrant rights, but as the mayor of a Sanctuary City, he needs to demonstrate more integrity in honoring the commitments he has made to immigrant leaders in the community.

Danielle Squillante

Northampton

The writer is a member of Sanctuary in the Streets.