To the editor:

Our country’s Constitution is the foundation of our democratic system of government. Political climate change is causing unprecedented, rapid eruptions that threaten the stability of our government, laws and institutions. Lee Keet’s opinion piece, “MAGA policies hurt ordinary Americans,” (ADE on 8/22/25), explains how the President’s executive orders dismantle the very federal agencies, programs and policies designed to protect our physical safety, health and constitutional rights. Unfortunately, he continued, the people who will be most harmed by these actions are a healthy proportion of the President’s supporters.

One issue Keet highlighted is the illegal, terrifying way we have seen federal law enforcement agents, ICE and Homeland Security, grab people from their homes, automobiles and worksites and fast-track their deportation to remote countries without due process. Each of us, citizens and noncitizens, has the constitutional right to a fair hearing before our life, liberty, or property is diminished. Apparently, that is, until now.

On Jan. 25, 2025, Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to extend its powers throughout the country by forging partnerships with local and state police departments to carry out certain ICE functions. Currently, local police departments enter these agreements voluntarily. I would not be surprised if, shortly, extreme pressure to sign these agreements was placed on local enforcement agencies.

Please take a moment to imagine what impact such an arrangement would have on our community. Today, Saranac Lake police help protect us from crime; enforce laws, help in emergencies, provide information and support and “respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice” (Saranac Lake Village Police Department Policy Manual, page 2, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics). Our local police cannot protect the constitutional rights of all residents and visitors if they assume ICE enforcement responsibilities. Local immigrants, regardless of their status, are at risk of being unlawfully detained and deported without due process. As a result, immigrants will be scared to ask for help when threatened, or worse, they will be afraid to fully participate in our community, they may hold their children back from school, from getting healthcare, etc. Visitors from other countries will be advised not to visit our community. The village will be torn apart. Instead of a welcoming, healing, arts community, we will turn into a fractured, untrustworthy place to live and visit.

Village Trustee Aurora White is bringing a “Resolution for safeguarding our residents and financial resources” to the Village Board on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. This is the fourth time Trustee White is asking for passage of a resolution preventing members of the Saranac Lake Village Police Department from participating in federal immigration law enforcement activities. The resolution is in line with current police policy. Passage of the resolution will underscore the village’s commitment to protecting the rights of all residents and visitors. I strongly urge our elected village trustees to vote for this resolution and preserve the very special caring nature of our community.

Margot Gold

Saranac Lake