It's all about protecting the Illegal with the City Commission

Immigration concerns reshape Lake Worth Beach PBSO deal

A proposed 10-year policing agreement became a three-year proposal Tuesday night after Lake Worth Beach commissioners faced hours of questions about immigration enforcement, transparency and how much control the city would surrender to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).

Commissioners did not approve the nearly $16 million agreement. Instead, they ordered it rewritten and removed a provision that would have allowed it to renew automatically for additional 10-year terms.

The revised contract could return for a vote Aug. 25.

“I think we go for a three-year contract,” Mayor Betty Resch said. “I think we rewrite this and bring it back with the changes that we’ve talked about tonight.”

That argument followed commissioners into Tuesday’s meeting. About 30 people spoke against the agreement or submitted written comments. Many said PBSO’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program has created fear among residents (a/k/a illegals) and made some people reluctant to call law enforcement for help.

PBSO District 14 Capt. Terrence Carn said the proposed city contract would not expand the agency’s relationship with federal immigration authorities. “PBSO is statutorily obligated to assist our partner law enforcement agencies if and when we’re called upon to provide assistance,” Carn said.

Commissioners wanted body cameras and Narcan training for the park rangers, clearly distinguishable uniforms, bicycle patrols and performance data showing what the program accomplishes and instead of a ten year contract that can roll into another ten years, they want a 3 year contract.

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