The Partial Observer by Paula DiPerna

An Open Appeal to Community Leaders, in Opposition to the 287(g)

Editor's Note: Paula DiPerna's letter to community leaders was dated December 19, 2025 and has been edited by the author for length.

Dear Leaders of Cooperstown and Otsego County:

I write to you as a resident and taxpayer of our beloved Cooperstown and Otsego County, as well as one who travels…far and wide in my professional life and who…sees daily how revered our system of democracy has been and how, on the other hand, people worldwide are shocked and dismayed to see the dismantling of core expectations of decency and due process on matters of immigration to our country.

I write to you also because you are highly strategic and visible leaders in our area, as employers, economic bulwarks, and ambassadors to the world for what we stand for, and the welcome we offer to tourists, workers, and professionals across all sectors.

This critical value of “welcome to visit, live and work in Cooperstown” is now under assault by what appears to be an ad hoc action taken by Sheriff Devlin in the name of the Otsego County Sheriff’s [Office], instigated on his own, to “enter into agreement with ICE” to enhance “community safety” and stipulating the local enforcement agencies (LEAs) would be available to cooperate with ICE in matters related to locating criminals who might be in the community, i.e., immigrants who may rightly or wrongly, without due process, be subject to interdiction and/or detention and/or public questioning and/or capture by ICE.

Sheriff Devlin’s action threatens the economic and social well-being of our overall community, and could cut directly into your efforts to recruit and retain staff, as well as to attract visitors to our numerous cultural events.