The Philipstown Democratic Committee affirms our belief that all people deserve dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law, regardless of immigration status. 

We stand firmly behind the Town of Philipstown’s 2017 Equal Protection Resolution, which directed that local governments not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement absent a legal requirement or court order, and that community trust is essential to public safety, public health, and democratic life. 

Local governments do, in fact, hold extensive personal information on residents - through courts, permits , records, services, emergency response, and daily municipal operations. How that information is used, protected, or shared matters. Just as importantly, federal law does not require towns to voluntarily assist civil immigration enforcement. Cooperation is discretionary, and local governments have both the authority and responsibility to set clear policies governing their own employees and resources. 

Immigrant families are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Policies, or the absence of clear policy, that create fear, discourage people from seeking emergency services, reporting crimes, attending school, or engaging with local governments weaken our entire community. 

As Democrats, we believe that: 

● Equal protection is not symbolic, it is implemented through clear policy and lawful practice 

● Local governments play a critical role in safeguarding civil rights and community safety 

● Municipal resolutions are formal acts of public policy that guide conduct, set standards, and reflect the will of the people 

● No one should live in fear of local institutions meant to serve and protect the public 

We call on local leaders at every level to strengthen, not dismiss, protections that uphold constitutional values, foster trust, and ensure that Philipstown remains a community where everyone can live without fear. 

Democracy works best when dignity, fairness, and human rights are actively protected - through action, not ambiguity.

More information about Philipstown's 2017 Equal Protection Resolution: https://highlandscurrent.org/2017/04/14/philipstown-forbids-aiding-immigration-arrests/

Video of 2/5/2026 Philipstown Town Board meeting discussion about updating the resolution: