In a move that has sent a clear message to its immigrant community, the Democrat-dominated City Council of Danbury, Connecticut, voted nearly unanimously to allow non-citizen legal residents and DACA recipients to serve as police officers. This decision, approved 18-2, comes in the wake of significant ICE operations in the area that resulted in over 60 arrests, sparking outrage and prompting calls for greater inclusion from city officials like Councilmember Joe Britton. Britton championed the change, stating it “sends a message to our immigrant community at large that you are welcome in Danbury” and that voting against it would question one’s “moral compass.” He emphasized that the change is legal, recommended, and does not lower any hiring standards, merely expanding the applicant pool to include lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients who are committed to the community and willing to take the oath to protect and serve, provided they still meet all rigorous training, background, character, and certification requirements. This aligns Danbury with over 30 other municipalities in Connecticut and several states that follow similar guidance from the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, which partially waived citizenship requirements in 2020. Mayor Roberto Alves, who immigrated to the U.S. as an undocumented child and became a citizen in 2017, lauded the decision, highlighting that it strengthens the recruitment pool and allows for the hiring of talented individuals who understand and care about the community.
Adapted from: Latest Political News on Fox News
