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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0125.086 2024-2026Tanya Yamanaka /\vDeSS@zj3D Hilo, HI Wednesday, April 2,2075 Comments on Resolution 74-25, ICE MOU Aloha, Council Chair Inaba and Council Members, Thank you forthe opportunityto submit comments on Resolution 74-25, which extends a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of Hawaii and U.S. /r0Dligr8tiOD and CUstOnOS Enforcement (ICE). I believe this resolution, while apparently necessary, poses asignificant threat tothe values that make Hawaii Island a safe, inclusive, and vibrant place to live. Mostly, my concerns are around how this M[][] will position HPID in the future, under pressure to submit to the current administration's values and authoritarian requests of our local authorities. According to a report published b»the American Immigration Council in 2020, Hawaii is home to 266,147 immigrants, including forty-five thousand undocumented immigrants. While immigration is afederal function, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how torespond torequests for collaboration and assistance from federal immigration authorities. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect Orshare information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Federal law, under title 8 United States Code sBCdOn 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting DDrnnnuniC8tUn with federal immigration authorities concerning "information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful Or unlawful, of any individual." There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect Orshare this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information. Moreover, the federal government should not shift the financial burden Offederal civil immigration enforcement, including personnel time and Costs relating to notification and detention, onto local law enforcement byrequesting that local law enforcement agencies continue detaining persons based onnon-mandatory civil immigration clatainers or cooperating and assisting with requests to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement that a person will be released from local custody. cmmm �^��,1,1H8 ' Tanya Yamanaka A«nBSSazian Hilo, HI Other concerns include the potential for increased crime, recruitment challenges for local law enforcement and an unforeseen impact on our local economy. It has been estimated that at least 23% of our labor force are immigrants. Hawaii County relies on immigrant labor, especially in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction. If ICE begins ramping up 8rn3Sty and deportations, these critical industries could experience labor shortages, disruptions and increased operational costs. Immigrant workers contribute significantly tothe economic vitality OfHawaii, and any policy that threatens their ability tolive and work here will reverberate throughout the entire economy, hurting everyone. Last, but not least, Hawaii's history is One of both inclusion and exclusion, and it's essential that vve learn from the mistakes ufthe past. During World War |Lmany Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their horna3 and placed in internment camps. This tragic episode iS8reminder ofthe dangers offederal overreach and the importance Ofstanding upfor the rights and dignity ofall people. By entering into an MO[1 with ICE, the County risks repeating this history of rnarginalizotiOn and oppression, further harming vulnerable immigrant communities. The County of Hawaii has 3 moral Obligation to ensure that we do not allow this history to repeat itself and that we actively protect Our residents from federal exploitation. I ask that we closely monitor the effects of Resolution 74-25 to ensure that we continue to embrace policies that prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of all residents, regardless ofimmigration status. The potential harms ofthis MO(1 have escalated now, and it is Crucial that we protect our community from federal exploitation while maintaining our local integrity and rights. [et us continue to be 8 community that stands for compassion, fairness, and justice. Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns. Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian