Group calling on Mahopac school board member to resign, claiming he’s participating in ICE raids
A group protesting immigration enforcement activities in Putnam County is calling on a Mahopac school board member to resign, claiming he participated in ICE arrests in neighboring communities.
Christopher Harrigan lists his volunteer work and nearly 20 years in law enforcement on the Mahopac Board of Education’s website. Notably, Harrigan is ICE’s deportation officer.
Mahopac School Board Member Christopher Harrigan said he did not resign and that the board did not ask him to do so.
“Board of Education trustees stand behind Chris Harrigan and will not allow him to be removed from office,” said Mahopac Central School District Board of Education President Michael Mongon.
Some residents are calling for his removal; Harrigan is an ICE deportation officer.
At Thursday’s school board meeting, some of those residents expressed discomfort, calling his day job a conflict of interest.
“How can you ensure safety when one of your own is working for an organization that terrorizes children and families?” said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.
“We cannot have a person on our school board who is responsible for this fear,” Bailia Lemonik added.
But they were outnumbered, even pinned down.
“Avoid obscene language, slanderous statements, come on,” Mongon said.
The Board even adjourned after asking passionate people on both sides to calm down.
“I’m not surprised that the most vocal and hateful people are those who support the ICE agent on the board,” said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.
“A trustee’s career outside of district duties should not be weaponized against them,” Mahopac resident Kate Bellantoni said.
The support cheered.
Putnam County Legislator Erin Crowley says Harrigan is not someone parents should be afraid of.
“People aren’t coming to your schools, kids are safe. This isn’t happening. If you came here on an illegal executive order, I’m sorry, you’ve committed a crime,” Crowley said.
The majority of those who spoke at the tense meeting praised Harrigan’s work and record as a school board trustee and the board’s loyalty to him. They also noted that some of the people who spoke against him did not live in the community.
The board noted that he was duly selected and said his work did not disqualify him.
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