IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Dickinson County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed Resolution 2024-12, clarifying their stance on undocumented migrants. This decision followed concerns raised by citizens about a potential influx of undocumented migrants into the county.
Commissioner Joe Stevens, who conducted extensive research on the issue, emphasized the resolution’s clarity. “The public needs to know where we stand on the immigration problem that’s going on at the border,” Stevens stated. “We all want to have immigration; we want it to be legal. We think the federal government just needs to follow the laws and the Constitution.”
Stevens further elaborated on the importance of setting a clear position. “We’re not on the southern border by any means, but at the same point, we’re part of America, and we have laws on the books and a Constitution that should be followed. We just want to ensure that the state and federal government understand what we believe in.”
The resolution was passed by Commissioners Joe Stevens, Ann Martin, Barb Kramer, and Board Chairperson Henry Wender. Commissioner John Degenaer, Jr. was absent and unable to vote, but expressed agreement with the position of the present commissioners. Resolution 2024-12 clearly outlines the county’s opposition to the settlement of undocumented migrants.
The resolution reads:
TO DECLARE THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS STANCE ON UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS IN DICKINSON COUNTY
Whereas, the citizens of Dickinson County have approached the Board of Commissioners to raise questions about a potential influx of undocumented migrants into Dickinson county; and
Whereas, the citizens of Dickson County have expressed concern to the Board of Commissioners about the possible presence of undocumented, migrants, and Dickinson county; and
Whereas, the Board of Commissioners has extensively researched the questions and concerns regarding undocumented migrants raised by the citizens of Dickinson County.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Dickinson County Board of commissioners strongly objects to any efforts made by the State of Michigan or the U.S. government to settle undocumented migrants in Dickinson county; and
Therefore, Be it Further Resolved, the Dickinson County Board of commissioners will not appropriate, allocate or otherwise direct county financial resources, or other taxpayer funds to support, house or provide services to undocumented migrants in Dickinson County.
