I've written the following to the Middletown Common Council.  Please join me in signing onto this request.

Middletown Common Council Members:

As many of you know, I've been active in the defense of Democracy against the autocratic encroachments of the Trump administration.  I've organized major protests on April 5 and June 14 where, on each occasion, more than 1500 people stood up to decry the erosion of Democratic principles.  Some of you were there with us.

In addition, I take part in weekly protests on Main Street, and have helped to organize the formation of Middlesex CT Indivisible.

I think you'll agree that we're living in dangerous times, and it will take all of us, working together, to protect Constitutionally granted rights, and particularly to defend those who don't have the privilege, strength or protections to defend themselves.

Right across the street from Council chambers three individuals have been abducted by masked, unidentified agents of ICE who acted without a judicial warrant.  These individuals were not granted the basic Constitutional rights of due process.  These kinds of detainments are happening all across the country, and will likely become worse, and closer to home, unless we act.

I understand that some council members don't like to pass "symbolic" resolutions and will react negatively to what I'm about to request.  But I assure you that the ICE abduction and removal of hard working residents, who are in this country legally, is not symbolic.  So your work is, in fact, practical and can be effective.

Here's what I'm asking.

Pass a resolution that publicly ratifies Connecticut's Trust Act.  In addition, I suggest that you amplify the protections enshrined in the Trust Act.

You can read an explanation of the recently act, recently strengthened during the 2025 CT legislative session here: 

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/post/general_notices/2025/gn-25-02/trust-act-guidance-memo-20250115.pdf

Middletown, and its law enforcement officers are already obliged to act in accordance with Trust Act requirements.

A resolution confirming the act, and adding additional local restrictions will go a long way in making undocumented individuals feel safe living and working in our community.

Here is the selected language for the resolution:

 

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING CT TRUST ACT

WHEREAS, The Connecticut General Assembly has passed a revised Trust Act (CT General Statute 54-192h)

AND WHEREAS: The City of Middletown is obliged by the CT Trust Act to refrain from assisting ICE in the detainment of individuals in Middletown.

AND WHEREAS: The CT Trust Act prevents Middletown Law Enforcement agents from interfering if ICE agents legitimately, and legally detain individuals convicted of A&B felonies.

AND WHEREAS: The CT Trust Act does not restrict immigration authorities from legally and legitimately enforcing federal immigration laws within CT.

AND WHEREAS: ICE masked and unidentified agents have detained, arrested and removed individuals from Middletown streets without judicial warrants.

AND WHEREAS: Individuals detained in Middletown have not been afforded Constitutional rights of due process.

AND WHEREAS: All individuals sworn to duty in Middletown have pledged to uphold the US Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Connecticut

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

That the City of Middletown affirms the precepts of the recently revised Connecticut Trust Act and will abide by the act now and when the revised act goes into effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the City of Middletown affirms the Constitutionally-granted rights of due process for all residents.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That if the Middletown Police Department is called upon to aid an unlawfully-detained individual, the Middletown Police Officer will demand from ICE agents a.) Documentation of a judicial warrant signed by a judge; b). Identification of all ICE officers; c.) Require all ICE agents to remove masks obscuring their identity, or otherwise remove themselves from any detainment activity.