04/17/2026
On April 15, 2026, I attended a public meeting of the York County Regional Police Commission. It was Standing Room Only at 33 Oak Street - probably 50 people. Many residents and community leaders were on hand to comment on the recent 287(g) agreement between the Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agreed to by a 4-1 vote of the Commission on March 18.
The Commission stated that public comments would be limited to a total 60 minutes with each speaker entitled to only 3 minutes. There would be no official response to public questions. Initially, they limited comments to residents of the municipalities under the Commission's patrol area. The Commission later agreed to make two exceptions which will be covered in this post. I found it noteworthy that the public speaking podium was not equipped with a microphone.
One person spoke in support of the agreement citing his 20+ years experience as a law enforcement officer. Terry L. Meyers, Sr. referred to Democrats as “retards” and stated clearly that he believed only US citizens were entitled to constitutionally protected rights including due process, equal protection, habeas corpus, access to legal counsel and First Amendment rights of speech, religion, and assembly.
All other resident speakers spoke in opposition to the agreement. Passionate speakers included attorneys, teachers, and first responders. Concerns were expressed regarding ICE actions across the country, but especially citing actions in Minnesota resulting in the shooting deaths of US citizen protestors. There were concerns about School Resource Officers (SRO’s) and the chilling effect on students that “may not look like me” (non-white). Questions were posed as to what pastors and community leaders were consulted before the agreement was presented and approved at the March 18 meeting. Folks were concerned that the agreement was entered into with minimal notice to the public although the Commission’s Counsel insured the public that the "minimum 24-hour notice was observed”.
Although I am a resident of Springettsbury Township (outside the Commission’s area), I petitioned the Commission to hear my comments since I am a registered candidate for public office and, if elected, my constituents would include residents of East Manchester Township, Manchester and Mt. Wolf Boroughs. Once I was recognized, my comments are summarized below:
1. Is there a specific term of this agreement or can it be exited by the Commission at any time?;
2. Noting the excessive violence attending some anti-ICE protests, I suggested that the Commission have clear guidelines as to what would and would not be tolerated;
3. I closed by asking that the Chief of Police, Timothy Damon, exercise his discretion and direct his officers to deal responsibly with all those subject to police contact. I extended my hopes and prayers that there would be no unfortunate issues that would lead the Commission to regret their agreement with ICE.
Subsequently, Missy Barnes was recognized to speak as a non-resident under the same conditions.
"I want to thank everybody for being here. I'm really proud of this community. and it's really important that we're here. Because, it is a stain on our community to have ICE partner with our local police. Neil and I raised our kids here. They ran on these soccer fields as little boys. We would pull into the township, rode here three times a week. People use these walking trails. They're playing volleyball, they're playing basketball. They've got team members that are Mexican boys. They've got coaches who have come from other countries that have brown skin. They're here for work. They're afraid now that they're going to be removed from this country and they're here legally with status. It's my belief that this community rejects whatever you've done with ICE and I'm asking you to rescind whatever kind of compact you've made and we'll keep returning until it's done. Thank you."
Prior to the conclusion of the public comments period, former York County District Attorney (Tom Kearney) asked to speak. The Commission stood on the non-resident rule and refused to recognize him. I remained in the meeting room until the Commission dismissed everyone to begin Executive Session, but there was no further discussion of the ICE agreement in the public session.
