While federal agents were still rounding up illegal aliens in western Connecticut, the Democrat-dominated Danbury City Council voted 18-2 to let non-citizens pin on a badge and police American citizens.
The ordinance, approved Tuesday night, opens Danbury Police Department hiring to lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients, so-called “Dreamers” who were brought here illegally as children and remain in the country under an Obama-era executive program that Congress never made law.
All 17 Democrats on the council supported the ordinance, along with one Republican. The only two opposing votes came from Republicans, according to Fox News.
Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour similarly argued that applicants will still be required to undergo background checks, psychological evaluations, medical and drug screenings, polygraph examinations, training, and civil-service testing, according to Patch.
But critics say the dispute is not merely about testing standards. It is about whether the extraordinary government power to carry a firearm, detain people, and arrest American citizens should be entrusted to someone who has not obtained American citizenship.
Councilwoman Candace Fay attempted to force separate votes on permanent residents and DACA recipients, but her motion was rejected. Fay reportedly warned that DACA protection is temporary and could be withdrawn, potentially leaving taxpayers responsible for training an officer who later becomes ineligible to remain in the country.
Democrat Councilman Joe Britton said the quiet part out loud. The vote, he declared, “sends a message to our immigrant community at large that you are welcome in Danbury.” He added that once the uniform goes on, background “doesn’t matter.”
Hellbound and Down 