Mahopac school board member, and ICE deportation officer, being asked to resign by Hudson Valley Patriots for Immigration Reform
A group protesting immigration enforcement activity in Putnam County is calling on a Mahopac school board member to step down, claiming he's been participating in ICE arrests in neighboring communities.
On the Mahopac Board of Education website, Christopher Harrigan lists volunteer work and that he's spent close to 20 years in law enforcement. Specifically, Harrigan is a deportation officer for ICE.
"He has a job. That's his prerogative to have what I consider an evil job, but not with our children's lives and our teachers lives at stake," said Mahopac resident, Baila Lemonik.
Lemonik is a community activist who will speak at Thursday night's board of education meeting. Others, specifically members of a group called Hudson Valley Patriots for Immigration Reform, are calling for Harrigan's removal, claiming his access to school district information could be used against undocumented members of the community.
"They have access specifically to teachers' records," Lemonik said. "And we don't know if a teacher is living with an undocumented person. We don't know if the teachers' lives are in jeopardy and their children's lives."
Many parents were reluctant to comment on camera. Supporters say Harrigan's job was known and that he was freely elected to the unpaid position in 2024.
"I think it's an absurd accusation for someone, to come, and request a removal," said Yorktown Assemblyman Matt Slater.
Slater is among those who see no conflict of interest.
"I would imagine, knowingthe individual himself, and the principles that he lives by, that he would recuse himself from anything that may cross over between his service here on the board and what he does for the last 20 years," Slater said. "I'm going to say it again. He's been a member of law enforcement for 20 years."
Requests for comment from Harrigan and other board members have gone unanswered so far.
Community members will get their chance Thursday night.
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