HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg City Council followed up on correspondence to federal and state representatives regarding recent federal immigration law enforcement actions in Harrisonburg during last night’s meeting.

According to the letter in the agenda, “the city council is concerned that federal immigration law enforcement is not conducting work in a manner that treats people whom they encounter with humanity and dignity.”

The letter also includes questions concerning policies to ensure appropriate treatment of the public by officers involved in immigration enforcement, who assumes custody of minors when parents or guardians are detained and what review process exists for interactions involving the use-of-force. 

Vice Mayor Fleming, who added the letter to the agenda, said they ask for clarity on federal immigration over policies and practice. 

“So as a community, our local law enforcement community, first responders, our communities, our schools know what are the policies and practices that they’re operating under because they often don’t seem consistent with the practices we would require of our local law enforcement,” said Fleming.

The city council reminded everyone that the letter was sent to officials before the holidays, and no response has been made yet.

All city council members have signed the letter.