A group protesting immigration enforcement activity in Putnam County is calling on a Mahopac school board member to step down, claiming he is participating in ICE arrests in neighboring communities.
On the Mahopac Board of Education website, Christopher Harrigan lists his nearly 20 years of volunteer work in law enforcement. Specifically, Harrigan is a deportation officer for ICE.
Mahopac School Board Member Christopher Harrigan says he is not resigning and the board is not asking him to.
“This Board of Education supports trustee Chris Harrigan and will not entertain his removal,” Mahopac Central School District Board of Education President Michael Mongon said.
Some residents have been calling for his removal – Harrigan is an ICE deportation officer.
At Thursday’s school board meeting, some of those residents expressed their discomfort, calling the day job a conflict of interest.
“How can you ensure safety when one of your own is working for an organization that is terrorizing children and families?” said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.
“We cannot have an individual who is responsible for that fear on our school board,” added Bailia Lemonik.
However, they were less numerous – even heckled.
“Refrain from obscene language, libelous statements, come on,” said Mongon.
The Board even took a break after asking those passionate on both sides to cool down.
“I’m not surprised that the people who are being the most vocal and hateful are the ones who support the ICE agent on the board,” said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.
“The career of a trustee outside of district duties should not be held against them,” said Mahopac resident Kate Bellantoni.
The support drew cheers.
Putnam County Legislator Erin Crowley says Harrigan is not someone parents should fear.
“People are not coming into your schools, the kids are safe. It’s not happening. If you came here under an executive order that’s illegal, then I’m sorry, you’ve committed a crime,” Crowley said.
The majority of those who spoke at the tense meeting praised Harrigan’s work and record as a school board trustee, and the board for sticking with him. They also noted that some who spoke against him do not live in the community.
The board pointed out the fact that he was duly elected and said that his job does not disqualify him.
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