NATICK – Natick Select Board Chairwoman Kathryn Coughlin discovered her car parked in her own driveway with the words “DEPORT ILLEGALS” spray-painted on the side.
Coughlin has declined to comment further on the vandalism, saying she will reserve her comments for public board meetings.
Proposed immigration policy
During a limited board meeting on Nov. 20, ten days before the vandalism, Coughlin outlined the city’s new proposed immigration policy and called it “Welcoming Communities.”
The policy would codify existing law, she explained, under which city employees — like police — have no legal authority “to act as immigration agents,” she said at the public meeting.
City employees would not have the right to question citizens’ immigration status or documentation, except in human resource situations.
“The timing of the rollout of this policy after the election is completely coincidental,” Coughlin said. “This is not a response to the recent elections, nor is it a response to fear mongering or social media posts.” Discussions on the policy began in 2022, she explained.
Natick police are investigating vandalism
The vandalism of Coughlin’s car, which Natick police are investigating, is an indication of how controversial the proposal has been in the city. Paul Piccioli, a 54-year resident of Natick, decided Wednesday to throw his hat in the ring for an open select board seat partly because of this proposed policy. He says this is not the right time, and is particularly concerned that the policy is being ‘pushed through’ by the current select board.
Natic police
“We don’t know if we’re going to be flooded with immigrants saying ‘oh go from Framingham to Natick. Natick is a haven, they’ll protect us,'” Piccioli said. “You can get arrested, the police won’t cooperate with ICE or anyone else.” I don’t really know, but I just don’t think we need it right now,” he explained.
Others in the city believe the policy change – which has not yet been voted on – is necessary. “This country was built on immigrants,” said Alessandro Lindsey. “The difference between legal and illegal is simply paperwork.”
One thing both sides agree on is that the vandalism to the chair’s property is a step too far. “If we don’t agree on this topic, let’s talk about it. I’m very sorry that this happened to her, that’s not right,” Piccioli said.
“It’s done out of fear and desperation, and no one deserves that, especially people who sacrifice their own time for the community,” Lindsey said.
There will be a vote on the proposal on December 18.
