Tonight Washington County Quorum Court discussed and voted on several ordiances including an ordinance to accept an approximate reimbursement of $117,000 in federal funds through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). The Court passed the ordinance to accept and use SCAAP funds with a vote of 10-3.

Several Marshallese residents in Washington County spoke during the public comment, including Serine Bolkien whose father was taken last month by ICE for deportation, Carolina Bien, Albious Latior, and Carolina Edwin on behalf of the Marshallese Consulate. Irvin Camacho for Springdale said the SCAAP program “targets a population that we have already broken so many promises to.” Others with the AJRC also made public comment including Sarah Moore, Diana Scott, Gladys Tiffany, and Beth Barum.

JP Lyons said it was really sad to see the Marshallese community used as a “political tool” and “given false hope” that ending SCAAP would “solve the problems in their community.” JP Lemming continued to incorrectly characterize the Marshallese facing deportation as “illegal” and that the Marshallese he knows “own chicken farms” and “they aren’t here griping.” JP Simmons backed the Sherriff’s characterization that the SCAAP funds are a “well-earned” subsidy that doesn’t drive enforcement. Perhaps misinformed, he characterized the people whose information are provided through SCAAP as “habitual offenders”. JP Beth Coger continued to point out the disproportionate impact of the program on the Marshallese when it is questionable that Marshallese names can be used to apply for funds through this program. JP Highers commended Serine for her courage to speak out and recognized that the Marshallese showing up demonstrates their desire for a seat at the table.

Watch the Public Comment and Court discuss the ordinance to accept SCAAP funds below.