GREENFIELD — In a packed meeting room in the John Zon Community Center, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson spoke about immigration.
The event, which was the first one organized by the Greenfield Citizens Association, drew Greenfield city councilors and mayoral candidates as well as a protest outside.
Lew Metaxas, of the Greenfield Citizens Association, opened the event, saying the group wanted to hold it “to inform people about the legal immigration pathways and also because of concerns about the safe city ordinance and what ramifications or the benefits of the ordinance are.”
Before voters on Nov. 5 is a ballot question to determine whether Greenfield should be designated a safe city.
The safe city ordinance would prohibit city officials from asking about a person’s immigration status, targeting someone or discriminating against an institution providing refuge to immigrants and their families, and taking law enforcement action against someone on the basis of perceived immigration status.
As Hodgson began to speak, outbursts came from the crowd, and he was interrupted several times. A group of people were told to leave the room after about a half-hour by Greenfield Police.
People booed, hissed and yelled phrases such as “Immigrants make our cities safer” and “You’re not helping our community by being a racist pig,” and called Hodgson a fascist throughout his talk.
Hodgson replied that he respects everyone’s opinions and views, but asked people not to interrupt when others were speaking.
He said he believes the “problem is in Congress — on both sides of the aisle.”
“I’m not saying everyone who wants to come here is a criminal. I also think everyone in this room believes the rules of law matter,” Hodgson said. “If we don’t like the laws, if Congress doesn’t like them, those who are promoting sanctuaries and such, they can change them, they’re right there. But they won’t, you know why? Because they’re using you for elections.”
Hodgson said Massachusetts has the highest migration rate in the country.
“It’s the second-most common place to find fentanyl, and 90 percent of this is coming across the border in the south,” he said.
“Why is Massachusetts the magnet?” Hodgson asked. “Because of sanctuaries.”
According to Hodgson, if Greenfield were to become a safe city “you will see an influx of crime, drugs and cartels. … We know that it’s a place people go where the elected officials or anyone else are going to be hands-off.”
He said he appreciated people coming to the event and wanted to give information to voters so they can make their own decisions. He said he believes the most significant things that have been done in the country were by a small group or community standing up for the rights and values they believe in.
“Whatever you decide is up to you. I came here to talk to you from the perspective of someone who has experience in law enforcement,” Hodgson said.
Throughout his talk, Hodgson said his role was to uphold the law, and if people wanted the laws to change, they should take the matter up with Congress and their elected officials.
“We can’t have the unraveling of the criminal justice system,” Hodgson said. “If it happens here, people in an official capacity cannot cooperate with ICE …This is really your community, your decision. I’m going to give you what I know. I’ve been immersed in it 22 years. I’ve testified before Congress. I’ve done all these things, and more and more sheriffs are saying ‘No more, you are undermining our ability to keep people safe. That’s where we are.’”
Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.