By a vote of 78 to 60, Town Meeting approved a new citizen-petitioned bylaw intended to limit the involvement of local officials and police in federal civil immigration enforcement. Article 37, the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw, codifies policy to ensure that immigrants feel safe reporting crimes and interacting with town services without fear of deportation.

Petitioner Peter Matlin argued the bylaw provides clarity for the community. The bylaw would clarify that choice for the town of Plymouth... it will not participate in the often brutal ICE operations, Matlin said. A resident identified as Bruna added through a reader that the primary concern for the immigrant community is, not only will they help us, but will we be safe if we call. Police Chief Dana Flynn expressed reservations about the measure, noting that his department already has a similar policy and that having a second, slightly different document in the form of a bylaw could cause confusion for his officers during high-pressure situations.

Motion: To accept the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw.

Vote: Passed 78-60-3