Mahopac Schools Refuse Removal Of Trustee Who Works for ICE

The Mahopac School Board rose to its feet in announcing that it unanimously supported a member who works for ICE, and who some community members said should be removed.

By Holly Crocco

The Mahopac School Board was unanimous in stating last week that it would not be seeking to remove a board member due to his day job.

“The board of education stands united behind Trustee Chris Harrigan and will not be entertaining his removal,” said President Michael Mongon at the board’s Jan. 22 meeting. “Trustee Harrigan’s employment does not disqualify him under New York State law from continuing to serve as a dually elected member of this board of education.”

Harrigan, whose term on the board expires in 2027, has spent nearly 20 years in law enforcement – currently as a deportation officer for ICE.

A group calling itself Peoples Immigrant Coalition that has been protesting ICE agents removing individuals from streets in the greater Brewster-Carmel area called on the board to demand Harrigan resign for serving as an Immigration & Customs Enforcement agent.

A spokesperson for the group charged that Harrigan has been captured on video multiple times since August, and most recently last week, arresting individuals in Brewster and Carmel.

“This violation of human and constitutional rights is in direct conflict with the school board’s mission to ensure the safety and education of all students,” stated the group, who encouraged parents and community members to show up at last week’s meeting to speak out.

As a result, security was amped up for the meeting.

However, it was mostly supporters of Harrigan who showed up.

“Trustee Harrigan was dually elected by the board and the community,” said one resident. “He has worked tirelessly to do the best for the Mahopac School District.”

Board Trustee Tanner McCracken said that calling for an elected school board member’s removal because he enforces federal law is reckless.

“Chris Harrigan’s work with ICE is lawful, ethical, and entirely separate from his volunteer service to our schools,” said McCracken. “Chris is a man of character who serves both our nation and our school community. His job is difficult and dangerous, and our neighborhoods are safer because of it. I support individual rights in the context of the law. But these protests are not about rights. They are about opposing the lawful removal of violent criminals from our communities.”

Still, some residents said his role presents a conflict with the district’s interests to protect all students in an environment where they should feel safe.

“How can you ensure safety when one of your own is working for an organization that is terrorizing children and families?” asked Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.

Kate Bellantoni, also of Mahopac, disagreed.

“A trustee’s career, outside district duties, should not be weaponized against them,” she said.