Plymouth Select Board Recommends “Community Trust” Bylaw Amid Charged Debate on Immigration and Oversight
PLYMOUTH - February 17, 2026 - The Plymouth Select Board issued a favorable recommendation for a controversial citizens petition aimed at enshrining immigration enforcement restrictions into town law, highlighting a growing tension between departmental policy and legislative civilian oversight. Despite concerns from law enforcement regarding potential confusion, the board voted 3-2 to support the “Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw” heading into the Spring Town Meeting.
The Full Story
The centerpiece of Tuesday night’s meeting was Article 37, the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw. Petitioner Arthur Desloges presented the article as a necessary step to ensure that Plymouth remains a “land of laws” governed by Town Meeting rather than shifting departmental policies [02:08:51]. Desloges argued that while the Select Board and Police Department currently have policies restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities (ICE) for civil matters, a bylaw provides “durability” and “civilian oversight” that a standard policy cannot [02:01:34].
“Plymouth must be a land of laws... they are made by town meeting. It’s not the will of any group of people at any one point in time or any one town department.” — Arthur Desloges [02:08:51]
The board was sharply divided. Members Kevin Canty, Deborah Iaquinto, and Bill Keohan supported the recommendation. Canty emphasized the need to be proactive, citing recent events in other cities as a warning of how quickly constitutional rights can be eroded [02:46:37]. He argued that a bylaw would clarify the town’s values and protect all residents from overreaching federal agencies [02:30:51].
Conversely, Chair David Golden and Vice-Chair Richard Quintal voted against the recommendation. Golden expressed a deep personal trust in the Plymouth Police Department, stating that “if you don’t trust them today, you’re not going to trust them when this is enacted” [02:51:05]. They shared concerns voiced by Town Counsel and the Police Chief that a town bylaw conflicting with the Chief’s contractually protected right to set department regulations could create legal confusion for officers on the street [02:11:07].
In other business, the board addressed Article 36, a request for $28,492.32 for weed management at Billington Sea [01:41:02]. The funds are intended to treat an infestation of fanwort, an invasive weed that threatened to turn the pond into “thick green mats” before management began decades ago [01:43:01]. Michael Leary, former president of the Billington Sea Association, noted that residents cover 55% of the costs, and the town’s portion represents its ownership share of the property [01:41:34]. The board recommended approval but noted that a specific funding source, likely Free Cash, must be identified on the Town Meeting floor [01:56:23].
Finally, the board recommended Article 35, which would grant town employees up to 40 days of paid military leave per year [01:34:05]. While Member Canty noted this might not be strictly “budget neutral” as it prevents salary savings from flowing back into Free Cash, the board agreed it was a vital way to honor the service of the seven Fire Department members currently serving in the reserves [01:38:23].
Why It Matters
The recommendation of the Community Trust Bylaw signals a potential shift in how Plymouth manages its relationship with federal law enforcement. If passed by Town Meeting, it would make the current non-cooperation policy permanent law, shielding it from changes by future Police Chiefs or Select Boards. For residents, this debate touches on the fundamental balance between public safety, civil rights, and the authority of the town’s legislative body.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To recommend Town Meeting approve Article 37 (Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw).
Vote: Yes: Canty, Iaquinto, Keohan; No: Golden, Quintal ([02:51:56])
Motion: To recommend Town Meeting approve Article 36 (Billington Sea Weed Treatment).
Vote: Unanimous ([01:56:46])
Motion: To recommend Town Meeting approve Article 35 (Paid Military Leave).
Vote: Unanimous ([01:40:44])
Public Comment
Jim Parmenter: Raised concerns regarding impassable sidewalks due to poor snow removal on waterfront side streets [01:14:19].
Immigration Debate: Several residents, including Kate Butler and Jan Blanchard, spoke in favor of the Community Trust Bylaw to protect neighbors from “terror” [01:15:06, 01:17:09]. Steve Lydon and others opposed it, calling it “crazy” and arguing that federal agencies like ICE cannot be stopped by local bylaws [01:16:03].
What’s Next
The discussed articles will move to the Spring Town Meeting for final deliberation and voting by the town’s legislative body. The Town Manager also reminded residents that Dog Licenses are due by March 31st to avoid late fees [03:01:15].
Source Video: Plymouth Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel