AMHERST — With an understanding that fear and uncertainty is likely gripping some in the community, following the recent killing of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, the leaders of the Town Council are promising to maintain Amherst’s welcoming status.
“We want to be clear that Amherst remains committed to being a welcoming community,” Vice President Ellisha Walker said at the outset of Monday’s council meeting. “We encourage residents to support one another, to seek reliable information and to engage in dialogue with empathy and respect.”
The statement was written by Walker on behalf of herself and Council President Mandi Jo Hanneke, before being read into the record. It comes on the heels of weekend protests throughout the region and across the country demanding an end to the ramped-up enforcement actions by ICE and Border Patrol agents following the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Nicole Good.
While Walker said that the Town Council is not the place to adjudicate national policy, it is an arena to affirm values of local government. In Amherst, those values, she said, include caring for one another, respecting human life and being committed to community safety rooted in trust.
Good’s death is referenced in the statement.
“The loss of life under any circumstance is deeply troubling and our thoughts are with Miss Good’s family, loved ones and community,” Walker said
“While this incident did not occur in Amherst, it resonates here,” Walker said. “Amherst is home to immigrants, mixed-status families, students, workers and neighbors from around the world.”
Walker added that local elected officials believe every person deserves dignity, safety and due process, and any incidents involving the loss of civilian life call for transparency, accountability and careful examination of how public authority is exercised.
She also encourages all residents to be part of civic life. “This commitment is fundamental to who we are as a community,” Walker said.