Pender County votes no on ICE collaboration
"My concern was if Pender decides to vote for it, where does that leave the surrounding counties."
PENDER COUNTY (WWAY)–Pender County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday night to determine if the Pender County Sheriff’s Office should have the authority to perform immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight.
The board came to a three to one vote, shutting down the item. Pender County resident Samantha Worrel and Onslow County resident Mildred Latino-Thomas both attended Tuesday night’s meeting feeling relieved after hearing the action to table the item. They both say it was great seeing so many residents come out in support of voting down the collaboration.
However, knowing this fight isn’t over, they hope others will continue to spread the word and show support for the Hispanic/Latino community.
“Them not feeling safe- especially in schools and hospitals and places of worship. I’m scared about racial profiling and our sheriff’s department committing us as taxpayers money,” Worrell said.
“And my concern was if Pender decides to vote for it, where does that leave the surrounding counties,” Thomas questioned.
