Philipstown Folks Seek ‘Equal Protection’ Law

Local activists packed the Philipstown Town Hall for the Town Board’s Feb. 5 meeting to discuss proposed updates to the town’s “equal protection resolution.”

The town originally adopted a version of the resolution in April 2017, but with the recent civil unrest throughout the country and Immigrations & Customs Enforcement officers making arrests, a local citizens group called Joining Forces has submitted a stronger 2026 version of the resolution to the Town Board for adoption, along with a policy recommending actions.

The resolution states: “No Town of Philipstown department, officer, employee, or agent acting in their official capacity shall request or maintain information about or otherwise investigate or assist in the investigation of the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such investigation or inquiry is required by state or federal law or by court order.”

Further, it states: “They shall not assist or cooperate with any investigation, detention, or arrest by any agency enforcing federal immigration law unless such investigation or inquiry is required by state or federal law or by court order.”

“I share the same fears you all have about this country,” said Town Supervisor John Van Tassel. “I have been astonished by what is happening in Minneapolis. I began my career as a paramedic, and I believe in treating every person with the same care no matter their color, income, or immigration status. However, I have a legitimate legal concern about this resolution. I see it as a symbolic effort with no teeth. We have a responsibility to protect the Town of Philipstown and our employees from the possible consequences.”

Newly-appointed Town Attorney Mary Kate Ephraim articulated her concern that the town could conceivably be infringing on the First Amendment rights of town employees by directing how they can or cannot respond to an ICE inquiry. 

Councilwoman Judy Farrell, introducing herself as the daughter of immigrants, spoke in defense of the proposed resolution.

“This new version does not create a sanctuary city,” she said. “It protects all the residents of Philipstown by stating that no personal information of any description – not just immigration status – can be released to an ICE agent without a judicial warrant. Philipstown has always led in so many ways; we can lead in this.”

Councilman Nat Prentice supported Farrell’s initiative, and Councilman Ned Rauch suggested forming a working group to refine the policy.

With the floor open for public comment, Alexandra Cain, a member of Joining Forces, was the lead advocate for the resolution and maintained that it is consistent with New York State laws in stating the importance of judicial warrants for the sharing of information. She emphasized that town employees should be prepared to respond to an ICE visit both for their own protection and for the protection of Philipstown residents.

Cain noted that 180 Philipstown residents so far have signed a letter requesting the resolution. 

Attorney Dan Nobel urged the board to consider that “we are in unprecedented times in which we have witnessed unimaginable crimes on the part of ICE and we should be concerned about doing what is right.” 

Attorney Susan Anspach assured the Town Board that other town resolutions will be shared with Philipstown that support equal protection and legal non-cooperation with ICE.

Liz Corio read a statement from the Philipstown Democrats in strong support of the proposed 2026 equal rights resolution and policy.

Lucas Gonze thanked the board for its service and asked members to consider “the larger purpose of what we are doing here.”

Final speaker Alex Dubroff referenced the American Revolution, which was fought “on this very soil 250 years ago against the kind of tyranny we are seeing now.” 

Von Tassel agreed to the formation of an ad hoc committee to draft a resolution and policy consistent with state and federal law.