Emotions ran high during a loud and contentious Mahopac School Board meeting dominated by calls for the resignation of Trustee Christopher Harrigan over his employment as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
The controversy followed the circulation of a video on social media showing Harrigan detaining a man in Brewster. Critics said the incident, combined with heightened immigration enforcement nationally, has fueled fear among immigrant families and raised concerns about Harrigan’s continued service on the board.
The debate in Mahopac comes as ICE activity has drawn increased scrutiny across the country, with protests and legal challenges emerging in multiple states over workplace raids and high-profile detentions. Advocates have argued that stepped-up enforcement has created anxiety in schools, particularly in districts serving large immigrant populations.
Board President Michael Mongon opened the public session at Falls School auditorium by reading a prepared statement rejecting calls for Harrigan’s removal, noting that New York state law does not disqualify a board member based on lawful employment. His remarks drew standing ovations from many in attendance.
Harrigan, a longtime law enforcement veteran who joined ICE before his election to the board in 2024, did not address the audience. Asked beforehand whether he intended to step down, he said, “Absolutely not.”
Speakers opposing Harrigan said his role as an ICE agent undermines trust within the school community. Carmel resident Ixmucane Pereira, who addressed the board first in Spanish before switching to English, said families fear interacting with the district.
“We cannot have someone responsible for that fear sitting on our school board,” Pereira said. “Parents are worried about their children and about the safety of their information.”
Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli also called for Harrigan’s resignation, saying national immigration raids have intensified local concerns.
“How can you ensure a safe learning environment when one of your own works for an agency that is terrorizing children and families?” Ferrelli said.
Supporters countered that Harrigan was duly elected and has not violated district policy or student privacy laws. County Executive Kevin Byrne, County Legislator Erin Crowley and Carmel Councilman Robert Kearns spoke in his defense, stressing respect for voters’ decisions and support for law enforcement.
As the crowd grew more boisterous, Mongon called a brief recess before the meeting concluded. The audience later dispersed peacefully.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here