HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0125.054 2024-2026Rt5._7q_Z
Cow 0!5
From: Marci Jeppsen
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 9:05 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Alameda, Christian (Kimo); Inaba, Holeka; Onishi, Dennis; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada,
Jennifer; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace, James
Subject: Testimony in Opposition to Resolution 74-25
Aloha Council Members and Mayor,
My name is Marci Jeppsen and I am writing in strong opposition to Resolution 74 - 25: ICE,MOU
because it will negatively impact our Hawai'i community.
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding collaboration between our local law enforcement
and ICE. Such partnerships can have serious and lasting impacts on our community, eroding public
trust and harming the well-being of our residents —both documented and undocumented.
Allowing local police to work with ICE fosters mistrust in law enforcement, making it less likely for
community members to report crimes or cooperate as witnesses. When people fear that any
interaction with the police could lead to detention or deportation, our neighborhoods become less safe
for everyone.
Furthermore, the use of our tax dollars for immigration enforcement diverts crucial resources away
from local priorities, such as crime prevention, education, and public health. This not only places an
unnecessary financial burden on our city but also means that our officers spend time enforcing
federal immigration laws rather than focusing on local public safety concerns.
The fear instilled within immigrant communities —many of whom have lived, worked, and raised
families here for years —leads to devastating consequences, including family separations and
trauma inflicted on keiki, both U.S. citizen children and undocumented minors. Children who lose a
parent to deportation suffer long-term emotional and economic hardships, placing additional strain on
social services and schools.
Additionally, history has shown us the dangers of such policies, as they can lead to racial profiling
and civil rights violations. The targeting of individuals based on perceived immigration status risks
repeating historical injustices that have caused generational harm. Local police working with ICE may
also violate due process rights by unlawfully detaining individuals without proper warrants or
judicial oversight.
Finally, immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and local agencies should not be
pressured into overreaching their jurisdiction. Entrusting local police with immigration duties creates
confusion, erodes community relationships, and misuses local resources. Our officers should focus
on protecting and serving all members of our community, rather than acting as enforcers of federal
immigration policies that disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.
I urge you to stand against any collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE to protect the
integrity, safety, and unity of our community. Please prioritize policies that foster trust, ensure due
process, and uphold the rights of all residents.
Allowing the Hawaii Police Department to engage in immigration enforcement undermines public
safety. This resolution does not protect our community; instead, it fosters division and distrust. I
strongly urge the committee to oppose Resolution 74-25 and protect the integrity of our local law
enforcement.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Marci