By a vote of 78-60, Town Meeting adopted the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw, a measure that codifies that town resources and police will not be used for civil immigration enforcement by federal agencies like ICE. Petitioner Peter Matlin argued the bylaw is a Safe City measure designed to ensure all residents feel safe reporting crimes without fear of deportation.

The debate highlighted a divide between supporters who saw the bylaw as a civil liberties safeguard and public safety officials who questioned its necessity. Police Chief Dana Flynn expressed concern that having a bylaw separate from existing police policy could create confusion for officers on the street, noting that his department already refrains from civil immigration enforcement. Resident Lori Fitzpatrick shared a letter from a student whose family was impacted by deportation fear, while other residents, including Carmen Lefury, opposed the measure, arguing for full cooperation between local and federal authorities. The bylaw ultimately passed, applying only to civil matters and not criminal warrants.

Motion: To accept the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw.

Vote: Passed 78-60-3