Ladies and gentlemen, please join me for the police and pipe drums. Police and police pipe and drums of Morris County. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music]
>> Heat. Heat. [music] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So, how about one more round of applause
for the police tonight are first responders and frontline workers dedicated to Roxbury Township. So, thank you, gentlemen. >> [applause] >> I'm going to read the open public meeting statement now. Adequate notice of this meeting of the township council
of the township of Roxbury was given as required by the open public meetings act as follows. On December 31st, 2025, notice was emailed in fact to the daily record, the Northstar ledger, the West Morse reporter and published in the daily record. Notice shall also remain posted throughout the year on the bulletin board of the main hallway
municipal building. Uh, we did have an election as I was just reminded of [laughter] and at this time I'm going to read the statement of determination. A statement of determination of the board of canvasers relative to an election
held in the county of Roxbury County of Morris and state of New Jersey for the election of certain municipal officers for the municipality on the 4th day of November 2025. The Senate board does determine that at the Senate election, Jim Riley, Mark
Crowley, Bob D. Philippo were all duly elected to the office of town c township council at large for a term of four years and I it is certified by both the chairman of board of campusers and Mars
County Clerk and Afarasi. Congratulations to all the winners of the most recent election. >> [applause] >> At this time, I'm going to swear in Jim Riley. Swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the
State of the United States. >> I will support the Constitution of the United States. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the true >> and to government established in the United States
>> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state >> I will faithfully and >> all the township liabil >> [applause] >> I'm Markley. >> I'm Markley.
>> I will support the Constitution of the United States. that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New York, >> that I will bear true. I will bear true to the >> government established in the United
States. >> The government established the United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully perform
>> the duties of member of >> all the duties of the member of the council. to the best of my ability. [applause] people. I people do swear that I will support the United States and the state
of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith allegiance to the >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the >> government >> and to the government established in the United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state under the authority of
the >> I will faithfully >> and that I willfully >> all the duties of the member as a member of the council >> [snorts] >> to the best of my ability. [applause] Now that everybody is sworn in, I'm
going to take roll call. Councilwoman Alrech >> here. >> Councilman Carrie, >> yes. >> Councilman Crowley, >> here. >> Councilman Dippo, >> here. >> Councilman Hall, >> here. Council Fatillo >> here. >> Councilman Riley
>> here. >> This time I will take nominations uh for the position of mayor for 2026. >> M I'd like to nominate. In our form of government, we elect our mayor from among seven
members of the council. Some have described it as mostly ceremonial, but that's an unfair simplification. To be successful, the mayor needs to be a facilitator, referee, collaborator, leader by example, cheerleader, cat
wrangler, and good listener among other things. So during the past year, as Roxbury faced a few unique challenges, those qualities were never more important. still rose to those challenges. For
those reasons and because we will continue to face a number of challenges and opportunities in 2026, I am honored to nominate my colleague and friend Shan Patillo for mayor. >> I will second that.
>> We have a motion and a second for Patillo to be mayor for 2026. Do I have any other motions? Seeing none, I am going to take roll call. >> Mayor Patillo, Councilwoman Aubre, >> yes. >> Councilman Kerry,
>> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Crowley, >> yes. >> Council Dippo, >> yes. >> Councilman Hall, >> yes. >> Council Riley, >> yes. >> Mayor Pat, >> yes. [applause] I'm just jump.
>> No. Ian Patillo >> I Shan Patillo >> do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> Do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same. >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. and to governments established in the United States. >> and and to the governments established in the United States. >> And in this state under the authority of the people >> and and in this state under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully and partially
and justly perform >> and I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> all the duties of mayor of the township of Roxberry. >> All the duties of mayor of the township of Roxberry >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> According to the best of my abilities,
so help me God. >> Congratulations. At this time, I want to gladly hand the meeting over to the newly selected mayor. So, take it over, Mayor Thank you.
Well, good evening everybody. Happy new year and welcome to the 2026 reorg meeting for the Roxbury Township Council. As we begin a new year together, we do with optimism, energy, and shared commitment to keeping Roxbury moving forward in a positive and
responsible direction. To start the evening off, I'd like to take a minute and thank the elected officials who have reached out to us to wish us well. And I'd also like to recognize those who have joined us tonight. We have County Sergeant Heather Darling with us tonight. Thank you for
being here. [applause] We have former county commissioner and former Roxbury Mayor Kathy Clippo with us tonight. We have Morris County uh Republican chairperson Laura Ali with us.
And we also have Lake Pacon founding member Lake Pacon Foundation founding member and Mountain Lakes Planning Board Chairman Marty Kane with us tonight. We're always happy. [applause] Thank you all for being with us tonight. We're grateful for your presence and
appreciate the support uh you bring to [snorts] Roxbury. Uh is here. >> We also have Robury School Board member Ann Kucci with us. Sorry, I want a a great council. >> Thank you for being here with us as you
usually are. Thank you. >> Um so before looking looking ahead, I wanted to begin this year with some words of gratitude to my family. Nicole, my wife, my partner, my constant, and my foundation. Serving in this role is
never an individual effort. It is a shared commitment. You hear the phone calls. You see the late nights. You hear the keyboard keystrokes. You stand with me through both the challenging and rewarding moments. You are my sounding board, my calm in the storm, and my greatest source of strength. None of
this is possible without your love, patience, and encouragement. my daughter Isabella who's with us as well. Thank you for all that you've done this past year. Thank you for attending the events. Thank you for speaking with the residents. Thank you for keeping me grounded. Thank you for being my guiding
light. Um I know it's um got to be a little different to have your father be the mayor of the town you live in. Um but um you handled it with grace, maturity, and pride. I'm very proud of you. I love you both so much. Thank you for for everything you do. And I will be
>> I will be forever grateful to see you all. Thank you. I love you all. We also just had county commissioner Doug Cabana join us. Thank you. >> All right. So when we began last year, none of us could none of us could have predicted everything it would bring.
sink holes, a ch a change to township leadership, new insurance coverage for our staff, leading the charge in New Jersey against unreasonable affordable housing regulations, a community prayer vigil, celebrating a homegrown worldrenowned wrestler, recognizing
Roberry's first female Eagle Scout, or launching an incredible hometown heroes banner. I don't believe any of us had that on our bingo card, but through it all, Roxberry rose to the occasion. At least we didn't have to drones last year.
>> In 2025, this council adopted a budget that resulted in a 0% municipal tax increase, demonstrating our continued commitment to keeping Roxbury an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family while still delivering the essential services that keep our
town safe and moving forward. The council authorized the start of planning for a new department of public works and recreation building at Horseshoe Lake. replacing the aging facility and providing much needed storage for our recreation program. We invested $1.24
million into our paving our roads. We approved updates to our tennis courts, also now serving as pickle ball courts. We purchased a new senior bus. We purchased new street sweepers. And we dedicated significant cash funding towards our new fire apparatus scheduled
to arrive here in town next year. Throughout the year of transition, our township departments continued to operate with professionalism and efficiency. Even as we said goodbye to township manager John Shepard, welcomed Joe Dearco as interim manager, and then
appointed JJ Murphy as our new township manager, our staff never lost focus on serving the residents of Roxberry. I thank every department head and staff member for their unwavering dedication. on the day with me tonight, our township
clerk, Amy Reid, and township attorney Anthony Buco. Thank you. Thank you for the countless emails, the phone calls, the late night messages, guidance, and steady leadership. Whenever my head was spinning, you had the answers for me. Roxberry is very fortunate to have the
both of you on our side. We appreciate your dedication to all of us. Our volunteer fire and EMS department once again demonstrated extraordinary commitment this past year, welcoming 11 new members and responding to nearly
1,400 calls across Roxbury and surrounding communities. I'd like to thank Chief Spot, Chief McGelin, Chief Romeo, and Chief Valencia for your leadership and service in 2025 and thank department as a whole. Thank you to everybody. Our police department
welcomed Chief Matthew Holland his in his first year at the helm. I see him sneaking in in the back over there as well. Um we welcome him to his first year. Under his leadership, the department responded to approximately 43,000
calls and traffic stops. Uh Chief, thank you for your leadership. Please pass our words on to the whole department and let them know how appreciated they are. Along with the first responders and frontline workers, our department of public works, all three departments did
an amazing job navigating the unforeseen Route 80 shutdown. They did it with professionalism, creativity, and a resident's first mindset. As thousands of comm of commuters flooded our streets and travel times multiplied,
all of you kept very protected and moving. [clears throat] Thank you for your exceptional work during that challenging time and throughout the whole year. To our valuable township volunteers, Roxbury would not be what it is without you. From boards and committees to parks
and street cleanups, food drives, fundraising, and coaching our children. You give thousands of hours each year. You are the heartbeat of this community and because of you, Roxbury remains a place where neighbors know each other, look out for one another, and turn us
into a neighborhood. JJ, in just a short time, I believe that you already see what makes such a special place. The people who live here, work here, and volunteer here. We all thank you for joining us. Um, and we're really
excited to have you on board with us and we're extremely happy to see what you're going to bring and what we're going to do together in the years to come. >> My council colleagues, congratulations to Jim, Mark, and Bob on your re-election to serve the people of Roxberry. Your proven leadership will
continue to benefit our residents and guide the township council. Thank you all for dedication, your time, and your commitment to Roxbury being being able to work and collaborate Sorry. Being able to work
collaboratively with each other is what makes the role of mayor effective. This council's shares shared vision, thoughtful input, and commitment to our residents continue to drive Roxbury towards a strong and promising future.
Thank you all. As we moved into 2026, our country's semi-quincentennial, the count that I got, [laughter] the council together with our township may manager, clerk, professional
partners, every municipal department remain fully committed committed to serving the residents of Roxbury with diligence, transparency, and purpose. We will once again begin the year by carefully reviewing both our operating capital budget with the goal of presenting a well- vetted fiscally
responsible plan to our residents at the conclusion of this annual process. Roxberry will continue to pursue sensible and balanced development while responsibly investing in recreation, public works, [cough] public safety, our roads and sidewalks,
and have some fun and exciting events to celebrate this great country's 250th anniversary. We will continue to actively seek alternate funding opportunities such as grants, prudent cash investments, and other financial programs that allow us to enhance
services while keeping Roxbury affordable for all. While we always acknowledge challenges ahead, we remain committed to preparing [clears throat] to meet whatever 2026 brings with steady leadership and a clear focus on the long-term well-being
of Roxberry Township. is once again my privilege and honor to serve as the mayor of this town for 2026. Together as a council, we look forward to continuing to serve our residents with truth, excitement, and steadfast commitment to always putting community first. God
bless all of you. God bless Roxbury Township, and God bless the United States of America. I would now like to accept a nomination for deputy mayor. [cough] Mayor, I would like to nominate my running mate and good friend Mark Crowley once again serve as deputy mayor
of Rox. Mark is a stark supporter of our volunteers and first responders is always concerned about the safety and wellbeing [snorts] of Roxberry and its residents. And I think the two of you have any other nominations?
Seeing none. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Alrech. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kerry. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor W. Deputy Mayor Crowley. >> Councilman Dave Volo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hall. >> Yes. >> Councilman Riley. >> Yes. >> Mayor Pat.
>> Yes. Congratulations, Mark. [applause] I'm >> Markley of the United States of >> Swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.
>> That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> That I will bear true faith and allegiance to >> the government established in the United States. and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully and partially
perform >> that I will faithfully and partially just perform >> all the duties of deputy mayor >> all the duties of the deputy mayor of >> the best of my abil
[applause] I'd like to just say a couple words. Very tough to follow the mayor and all the things that he's brought up. One is I want to thank my wife Andy for giving me the the courage, the time, the energy to go ahead and perform these things for
a fantastic time. Um I want to thank the employees um they keep this place going all the time. Um the volunteers as as Councilman Riley said we are a unique township. Never have I 14 years called
someone and asked for some help that a volunteer hasn't come up or come to me and said I want to do this. This room tonight is full of volunteers. I want to thank you all and the council. I really enjoyed being part of this team. I want to thank you
and it's an honor to be deputy mayor again. I look forward to all of you to keep this township. Thank you. Thank you. And this brings us to item six, oath of offices, 2026, fire chiefs.
>> First up, fire department [snorts] chief of calendar year 2026, Tommy Valencia. [applause] of the United States of the United States. >> I will bear true >> government
in the United States >> and the state under the authority of the people >> and the state under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully and partially and of the office of department. >> Department of Fire Chief [applause] [applause]
Next to take the oath of office, first assistant chief, calendar year 2026, Jonathan Romeo. Jonathan Jonathan will support the United States of >> I will bear true
>> that I will bear True faith established in the United States >> to government established in the United States >> in this state authority of the people >> in this state the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully andally adjust >> that I will faithfully
perform >> all the duties of the office of the fire department >> all the duties of the office to the best of my ability to >> [applause] >> Next up, second assistant chief. calendar year 2026. Mike McCauit
[applause] States You swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. I will bear true to the >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> Governments established in the United States >> and to the government established in the
United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully and adjust the >> and that I will faithfully and >> all the duties of the office of second chief of fire department. the duties of
the office of second assistant chief of the county fire department >> according to the best of my ability to help me [applause] Next up, third assistant chief calendar year 2026, David Ward, senior. [applause]
David, David for the established in the United States >> in the government established in the United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and in this state under the authority >> that I will faithfully and >> I will faithfully
>> all the duties of the office of >> all the duties of the office. >> [applause] >> responsible in your future. Marine. All right. Quick.
[music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Christmas. >> [music] [music] >> How you doing? Good. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. [music] [applause] We'll just give one minute to clear the room.
All right, we're going to continue uh on item seven, incorporating resolution number one, 2026001. I'll make a motion to accept 2022. >> And I'll second discussion.
>> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Alre. >> Yes. >> Councilman Carrie. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Crowley. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dippo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hall. >> Councilman Riley. >> Yes. >> Mayor, >> yes. of eight mayor mayoral
appointments. A full list of mayoral appointments is available in the packet on page 12 if anybody wishes to see that. Uh is there any discussion or comments? Seeing none, moving on council appointments. I have a motion.
I'll second that. Uh again, a full list of appointments is available in the packet if anybody wishes to to look at that. Uh any further discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Alrech, >> yes. >> Councilman Kerry, >> yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Crowley, >> yes. >> Councilman Dippo, >> yes. >> Councilman Hall, yes. >> Councilman Riley, >> yes. >> Mayor Pillow, >> yes. Brings us to item 10, incorporating resolutions two of two.
I would like to make a motion to 011 up to 2026. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Roll call. >> Councilwoman Alrech. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Kerry. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Crowley. >> Yes. >> Councilman D. Philippo. >> Yes. Council Hall, >> yes. >> Council Riley, >> yes. >> Mayor Patilla, >> yes. >> All right, this brings us to our first public portion, our only public portion
for the night. Before I open it up uh to the public for comment, I would like to provide an update on the current situation stemming from the Washington Post article. Uh, as of today, it remains the case that no Roxbury Township officials have been contacted by any federal agency regarding a
processing set processing center within our township's boundaries. We have been we have been in contact with Congressman Ka Jr.'s office and he currently does not have any information on this matter and remains committed to providing information to the township if and when
it is received from ICE or DHS. US Senator Cory Booker's office was also contacted and has no information at this time. While we reached out to Senator Andy Cam's office, we have not heard back from him yet. Both New Jersey
Senator Space and New Jersey Senator Buco continue to work their respective channels to obtain accurate and verified information on behalf of Roxbury as well. We have also reached out to our contacts within the New Jersey State Police and Morris County Sheriff Jim
Ganon's office. They both confirmed that they have not been contacted regarding this matter and have not received information either. Roxbury officials are diligently and proactively reviewing potential buildings within the township that may
meet the required criteria. At this time, no location has been confirmed. We are working closely with our representatives to evaluate options to ensure that any potential plan that may be developed will be done with the
best interest of Roxbury residents firmly in mind. Our residents are the highest priority and we remain fully committed to the safety and protection of our community and property throughout Roxbury Townships. We will continue to
keep our residents informed by providing appropriate updates as information becomes available. I will now open it up to the public for anyone who wishes to come up and and address the council. I ask everyone in the audience to please maintain the
threeminut rule and we will be keeping time. >> Good evening. My name is William Angus and I want to discuss on. >> Oh, it is not. Is there >> Is there a button? All right, I'll just I'll just speak really loud. >> No, we need to have it on. >> Oh,
there an on button. >> Where's the on button on this? >> Thank you. Appreciate that. Uh, good evening. My name is William Angus and I do have uh thoughts on this ICE detainment facility. >> Your address for the record? Oh, I live in uh Hacketttown uh 169 Reva Drive, but
before that I lived right here in Roxbury for 10 years. Um I do oppose the facility. Uh I don't think I want to see the immigrants who live in this town live their lives in fear. I don't want them to be afraid to go to the park or
playground. I don't want the kids in this town wondering if they're going to come home and find one of their parents is just gone. no idea where they are, when they'll come back, or if they'll come back. Because ICE will absolutely target people in this town, and they aren't discriminating. If you look
foreign, they will stop you. If you have documentation that you're a citizen, they can claim it's fake and deny you access to lawyer. And if they say it's fake, it's fake. Off you go to Louisiana and then on to El Salvador or wherever it is that they send you. And don't tell
me it can't happen. It happened to Doulce Consuelo Dia. and we only know about her because her lawyer went to the media. There are 1,800 people who went to Alligator Alcatraz whose whereabouts are completely unknown. How many of them did ICE say had fake birth certificates?
These are the reasons that I oppose ICE and its mission. Now, I believe some of you up there would lie down in front of the construction trucks to stop this facility. And I think some of you would hold those giant scissors and cut the ribbon yourselves. And I want to speak
to both of you. Mayor Pillo, I do appreciate your statement this evening letting us know that unfortunately there is no new information. What's missing is telling us how you react to it. Meaning,
do you oppose this facility or will you work with them? And for those of you up there who would align with my position, I think it's important that you make a public statement. Let the people let the feds know that you don't support them
and let the people know that you do support them. Um, being public in your opposition is a weapon and a tool and I urge you to use it. As for those of you who might be inclined to support this action, you
might think this act this is political or partisan, but it isn't. You can support Donald Trump but not want an ICE detainment facility here. Anthony Buco will never be accused of being a liberal, but he opposes it. The reasons why you don't want a
facility here are many, but among them are the strain on police and fire resources, negative impact to local businesses, drain on the budget, escalating conflict among residents, and lowering property values. Look at this
from a financial perspective, and all the evidence is Roxbury will suffer for this. and do we really want to be known as a prison town? Whatever you decide, we the people will be heard on the issue. We will protest at every opportunity. We will make it as unpleasant for DHS as we can. We will
beat the drum loudly, far and wide. And we will hold every one of you accountable for whatever actions you take. Thank you. [applause] >> Good evening and congratulations to all of you who were sworn in tonight. I'm Corey Herbig. I'm from Paripony, New Jersey. I spoke last week. I had a lot
to say tonight, so I'm going to talk really fast. Forgive me. Uh, I realize that these are very polarizing times and we're all doing the best that we can with the information that we have, but I also recognize that many times we're working off of different information. So, I want to tell you about some of the information that I'm seeing. I'm seeing
multiple lawsuits against ICE and the federal government for human rights violations at ICE detention centers, just like the one proposed here in Roxberry. Multiple lawsuits were filed in November of 2025 over a California city detention facility, including a class action suit alleging several
severe medical neglect, including denial of cancer treatment and insulin, unsanitary conditions, including sewage leakage and bug infestations, and denial of access to legal counsel. I'm seeing lawsuits in Florida detention centers documenting abusive practices, overcrowding, and inadequate medical
care at Crow North Detention Center, Broward Transitional Center, and FD FDC Miami facilities. I'm seeing a lawsuit about the Broadview Detention Center outside of Chicago. Details in that complaint include overcrowded cells with overflowing toilets, denial of basic
necessities such as beds, sufficient food, water, hygiene products like soap, toothbrushes, menstrual products, and denial of the ability to shower for days or weeks on end. Denial of private and confidential phone calls with attorneys, coercion to sign immigration documents, including voluntary departure forms in
English without proper translation or legal advice. The judge's order in that case required specific improvements, including cleaning holding cells at least twice a day, providing detainees with soap, toothbrushes, towels, and three full meals a day with bottled water upon request. I want to emphasize
this point. A judge had to tell ICE that they had to provide toothbrushes, towels, soap, and three meals a day to people being held in detention. Let that sink in for a minute. A judge had to tell them that they must allow detainees to shower at least every other day and
that they must ensure free private calls with lawyers. A judge had to tell them that they can't misrepresent documents to the detainees. Also at Broadview in Illinois, Reverend Black, Reverend David Black, a Presbyterian minister, was shot seven times with pepper bullets, including in the head by ICE while
peacefully protesting outside. Video of this incident went viral on social media, and once you've seen the footage, there can be absolutely no question that he was peacefully protesting. A judge re reviewed the incident and granted a temporary restraining order blocking federal ICE agents from using less than
lethal chemical weapons, including pepper bullets and pepper spray, and tear gas against protesters at that facility. Is this really what you want in Roxberry or for anyone for that matter? As I did last week, I once again urge you to use every single tool at your disposal to make sure that DHS
knows that Roxberry will not stand for this kind of cruelty and abuse. Amend your zoning laws to make private prisons a prohibited use. Put in place every single restriction you can think of, including denial of local infrastructure, permits, proximity to schools, houses of worship, residential homes, hospitals, anything else that you
can think of. You have tools at your disposal. Please use them. >> Thank you. [applause] Hi, I'm uh Alex Rickard. I'm from Hackinack. Um I could expound on how ICE will cost this community greatly. Their vehicles will tear up your roads while
they don't pay for them. Take your water, power, land, etc. and pay you only what they feel they should and not what you're actually owed. It's a supremacy clause after all. But that's kind of a moot point. We don't actually need to debate its justification on those merits because it falls below the greater discussion of the moral argument
and there's no moral argument for this while there are plenty against. To quote the Washington Post article from December 24th, quote, "We need up to get better at treating this like a business." As acting director Todd Nion said at the border security conference in April, according to the Arizona Mirror, the administration's goal, he
said, was to deport immigrants as efficiently as Amazon moves packages. Quote, like Prime, but with human beings, end quote. prime, but with human beings. He said that as if it were aspirational, like it was a good thing. Not ashamed, but bragging. As if it wasn't a monstrous statement worthy of
Adolf Bikeman. It isn't that fun, though. Don't you love Amazon Prime? Isn't that famous for being such a good system that provides great pay and working conditions for its employees? No. In this circumstance, it's what's it's what Hannah Arn coined the monality of evil when referring to the contemporary German attitudes towards
the Holocaust. How people create special language and bureaucratic systems to divorce ourselves from the evils we are party to make it seem boring, run-of-the-mill, just the way things are done, hidden behind paperwork and cutouts. They [snorts] want their packages with one day delivery and their undesirabs with one day extermination
just like crime. An efficient impersonal machine for stripping those people of dignity, rights, health, and even life, and throwing them deserving or no, into the lake of fire. So saith our lord and master Donald Mammon Trump may his mark upon our foreheads never fade. They've
created a bureaucratic machine that allows them and us the illusion that we can pass the buck on our moral responsibility for these quite immoral decisions. Oh, they're not people. They're criminals. They're not people. They're illegal. They're not people. They're just packages. And none of these terms even legally applies even by
ISIS's own definition. It's entirely arbitrary. They're choosing to do this. They have all the power and they want to do it this way. So, do we want to go along with them? The terms illegal, criminal, alien, it's all just language they're using to trick you. You're being had being used. People, these people
have not been found guilty. They've been declared guilty by rit by dictat. The vast majority have no criminal record, no standing warrant, not even a removal order. And many have legal status that was revoked without warning until they were black bagged to some freaking warehouse or detention facility. And even if they were guilty, these taxes
and conditions would still be monstrous and executed in bad faith because it's motivated solely by hatred of the other and using the flimsy interpretation of law as a pretext to expunge them. And now they're considering putting one of those here. Weren't conservatives supposed to be worried about this kind of government tactic? Secret courts and
black sites. Isn't this why they keep talking about the need for the Second Amendment? Maybe they should stop doing that if they're going to roll over for the boot at the first opportunity because it gives them a good excuse to stomp on others that they've been told deserve it. >> Due process. [applause] >> Hello.
>> Hello. Good evening. Thank you. Okay. Good evening. Um I'm Kathleen Shay and I am from Belleville, New Jersey and before that I was at Elwood Park and before that I was in Deville, New Jersey.
Um, as a former resident in Morris County, I could not imagine being a resident trying to contribute to a community um in a county with the risk of an impressive force like ICE. I I currently
um [clears throat] am fearful in general based on my own skin tone um and also my own um immigration status. Um I'm a naturalized citizen and I do um currently share a lot of the fears of
other people who are also immigrants um in New Jersey. Um I do often uh tell my fiance where I'm going just so he knows, god forbid, he doesn't hear back from me. My second point is that I have a friend
who lives in Roxberry and she was just recently um updating me as she had witnessed from the article on tap into 2 that is titled no federal contact on possible ICE processing site from
December 26, 2025 that she saw in the comments some Roxberry moms who commented against detention facilities due to concerns about public safety. Um my next and final point is that in the surrounding towns um for example one I'm
familiar with which is Danville um there is the assumption college for sisters which provides two I think it might have stopped. Do you want me to just speak up? >> [clears throat] >> Keep the batteries on.
>> Oh, it's all Yeah, I have one last point. Um, the Assumption College for Sisters, which provides two-year liberal arts education for sisters from other countries. Um, those sisters sometimes go on outings with supporters of the college.
ICE may potentially racially profile the sisters or question their immigration status. That would be traumatizing to the sisters and the college. Also, with the Catholic Church um, St. Teres in Sakasana, I do wonder if that church
would ever bring in um, immigrant seminarians or other um, lay persons into their congregation. um you know I wouldn't want um ICE to survey or somehow possibly question their immigration status as well. Thank you
very much for listening. >> Once again our public portion is open up to any member of of the audience that wishes to talk on any topic. You can also come up and discuss Hello, my name is Julie Moreno. I live in North, New Jersey. I grew up in Mars
County in Long Valley and Marstown among other places. Uh, last week I came up to speak. My husband self- deported in October. He was undocumented. Now he's back in Mexico. He has to be there for 10 years
before he can apply to come back on a marriage based visa. But I want to speak to you about what happens to people in detention centers and why families like mine make the decision to spend 10 years apart.
A friend of mine named Monica and her husband Douglas Um they have their story published in the Texas Observer. Uh it was published. It's it's called Trump's ICE arrested a whistleblower who
exposed sexual assault and detention. Now he's left the country. Uh and that was published on October 20th. So I'm going to read part of the the published story even though uh I personally know this family. I know a little bit more of the details.
Uh while Menjavar, who is her husband Douglas's last name, was held at Corley facility facing possible deportation, excuse me, [clears throat] deportation. Another detainee sexually assaulted him twice with the help of an accomplice. He
said in an official complaint and in interviews with the Texas Observer and other media, the duo targeted him after he confronted them for raping an 18-year-old. Upon seeing the traumatized teens sobbing, Menjavar, who had been sleeping
on a top uh on a top bunk, offered to trade places, believing the culprits would not attack a grown man. But the two jumped him as he slept. One held Menavar down, shoving a pillow in his face while the other assaulted him. After another attack in the shower, he
slipped and fell while fleeing his asalent, causing him to pass out and lose a significant amount of blood from a gash in his head. Upon regaining consciousness in the detention center infirmary after the attack, an ICE supervisor mocked him, calling him
stupid and said uh well said he was stupid and left him with a 2-in scar on his scalp. His wife hired a lawyer to try to get him in front of a judge as a married couple. They should have been able to request
cancellation of removals and he would have then been released, but now we were seeing no bond available. No hearings were being held. They wouldn't let him go. It cost them $40,000
for them eventually to say, "I can't afford this lawyer anymore. Will you let him leave the country to a third country in Spain where his daughters were?" So, $40,000 later, kept in solitary confinement after being sexually assaulted.
>> Psychologically assaulted. Let me just finish. >> Thank you. >> My husband self-deported because this is what we're facing. Either I have 10 years away from my husband or we are facing issues of going to detention centers.
When they get out, not only is their time gone, but their peace of mind is gone. And that will never ever ever come back. If that comes here, then we are signing off on human rights violations. >> Okay. Thank you.
[applause] We have a lot of tall people here moving this. Um, hi Bonnie Rosenthal, uh, Beaver Dam Road in Randolph. Thank you and congratulations. Um, I was listening to all you guys and I'm really glad people who care about you and um,
respect you and what have you come and see you guys on the rework and hold the Bibles and what have you. Um, I just want to remind you guys, obviously you're all human beings. We're all human beings. And you talked about um Mayor and W Mayor, you talked about how um thanking your wife and thanking your
children and realizing, you know, you take this home with you. And I want to remind you, I don't need to tell you about the ice facilities. I need to tell you that when you're thinking about this, think about your daughter, think about your wife, and the fact that you're a able to be together, and b how
many times you said when you were speaking before with your acceptance speech, how many times you said the public safety, there were over 150 people at 46 and 10. Thankfully, we had very good um security and protection.
Thankfully, so many people are concerned and getting out there and putting their lives on the line, and I mean their lives on the line when they stand on corners or on bridges or what have you. Um, I appreciate what you're doing. Remember your morals. Remember you are
human beings and remember your daughter that you spoke about and your wife. Thank you. Good evening. Um, I'm Adam McGovern and I'm at 87 St. John's Avenue in Paripony, which will no doubt be a target for ICE
raids uh being more than 30% immigrant uh if a facility like this goes through. Um, I thank you, mayor, for your openness in the opening statement about uh all of the outreach that's being done and the information uh that you're uh seeking. Uh it's not the kind of
openness that any of us can expect from this federal government and it's not the kind of openness that you all can expect from DHS. Um clearly uh you're having to chase down this information after it was nationally uh announced and that's no way, you know, to show respect for our
local home rule uh or for our local citizenry. Um the um and uh you know uh I think that it's something that you need to push back against. Uh, I'd like to very briefly read a quote and uh, the
source will hopefully not surprise you. Uh, but it goes, I beg you pardon, pardon the technical difficulties. The federal government is hunting people down. They say they're mostly bad people, but there are families with children, and that's a problem. We owe
it to ourselves to come up with a better solution than to round them up as cattle in a temporary center in a warehouse. That's the Republican County Executive of Orange in New York. So, this is something which as somebody else said transcends party. It's just a matter of humanity. Uh and you know, we um uh
you've heard a lot about uh what uh conditions people face in detention. Many of the people here uh wait outside in the in the rain, in the snow, in the sweltering temperatures and the freezing temperatures with families uh you know who dare not leave the line at Delaney
Hall, our biggest ice jail now and one of the biggest on the East Coast uh because they're afraid of you know not missing uh of missing uh the one chance they have for a minute with their loved ones. Um, you know, we're gonna be back here every time with our own vigil, uh,
so that no one has to be waiting in front of some warehouse in Roxbury, uh, you know, going through that kind of trauma and anguish. Um the um and uh the I also appreciate mayor have you said in the uh in the press uh and I understand
that you would did not want to comment on something that's still theoretical but you know we have to keep this theoretical because the reality would be inconceivable. So I want you uh all of you to you know follow the county executive of Orange and New York and saying unqu unequivocally that this is
something we don't want in this town. Uh Mr. Bua has said uh you know the the equivalent and I very much appreciate it uh and take whatever material concrete steps like uh banning private prisons as a permitted use that you can. Thanks.
>> Good evening. Diana May 30 Whisperway East in Ledgewood. I am a 15year Roxbury resident. Um, on social media, uh, there have been a lot of reactions to the news and how those of us who oppose it, um, are
handling things. And one of the criticisms is that residents of other towns are speaking about this and not Roxbury residents. So, I am a Roxberry resident here to speak um, to my council members and I believe that people towns.
Thank you so much for coming out. This indicates that this is having a much larger impact on our town and has the potential to have a much larger impact than just on Roxbury. Um it was mentioned earlier that you have reached out to our representatives and state
senators and I appreciate that. Thank you. Um, I had urged that last last week as well when I spoke and I would encourage you to please continue to urge them to seek out information rather than
wait for information to be handed down. I would assume once information is decided and final that we're going to have a lot less leverage. Um, I will do the same and reach out to all of my representatives and senators. But somehow I feel that you may have more clout than I do as a resident simply a
resident of Roxbury. As William said earlier, we are interested in hearing what is your stance on this issue. Will you accommodate will you accommodate this or will you oppose this? We the residents are entitled to know where our elected
officials stand on this issue. So at the earliest possible time, I would appreciate that. I will continue coming to the meetings. I'm very interested in what you have to say. Um, we will continue to monitor this as I'm
sure you are and I do appreciate that. I do appreciate that you are working on our behalf and I will continue coming to these meetings to learn more because that is my responsibility as a resident and I will also continue to protest at the intersection of Route 46 and Route 10.
See you there. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hi, good evening. My name is Cynthia Gallota and I'm a resident of South Orange and I want to share with you what I know about the detention center in Newark, Delaney Hall. It is owned and
operated by Geog Group, a multi-billion dollar worldwide corporation which had record setting profits in 2025, assisted by a billion dollar 15-year contract with the federal government to run Delaney Hall. And it is run to
maximize profits and minimize services. For those inside Delany Hall, there is bad food, bad water, uh limited physical recreation, minimal health care, dysfunctional routines like being woken up at 4:00 a.m. for breakfast, no
library, limited legal services, along with the stress of knowing you could be transferred to another state without rhyme or reason. Visiting family and friends, there is no indoor waiting room, so visitors have to wait outside in harsh elements for one
to one and a half hours. There's also a dress code, mostly for women, no tight clothing, and if you don't conform, you cannot visit. I'm part of a loosely affiliated coalition called Eyes on Ice, who have a daily presence at Delaney Hall. We try to provide support and
comfort by handing out blankets, hats, gloves, hand warmers, hot drinks, toys, grocery gift cards, and diapers, helping with transportation and information requests, and visiting detainees. My husband and I now visit a young man,
depressed and sad, who has corroborated how difficult life is in detention. The scene at the end of each visit, we are all in a large cafeteriallike setting with so much hugging, so many children, women, brothers, sisters crying, not
wishing to separate from their loved ones is completely heartbreaking. 68,000 people are currently in detention in the United States. 1,000 at Delaney Hall, 300 at Elizabeth. New Jersey Spotlight reported in December that
immigration agents are pursuing people who often have legal paperwork and no records, meaning that ICE is detaining New Jerseyians who are following the legal process as instructed, but detained just the same. 2025 was also
the deadliest year in detention with 31 people dying nationwide. And please note, I have reported abuses to the hotlines at DHS, to ICE. I have written to both of them. I've written to GEOG Groupoup, as have others, including New
Jersey elected officials, and have yet to receive a response. The fundamental question of these chaotic times is how do we care for one another? Do we as a country want to be complicit in a
dehumanizing system that views peoples as commodities, causes untold trauma, and which has absolutely no accountability. Our ultimate goal at Delaney Hall is to shut it down and reunite families with their loved ones. Please do all in your
power to prevent another detention center from opening in Roxberry, where we know cruel and inhumane treatment await our fellow residents. >> Thank you, sir. >> Please ban private prisons. Thank you. [applause]
Hello, my name is Carrie Stetler and I live in the Mount Taber section of Paripony. Um, hold on. Um, I'm here tonight because I have concerns uh about an increased ICE
presence in Morris County. Um I'm concerned that uh residents and neighbors could be um including those who were in the process of trying to gain um citizenship and those who had temporary protection status until
recently um and that is going to be stripped away but have built families here and have built lives here. I'm concerned about that and I'm concerned about humanitarian issues that people have brought up here tonight. Um, so, um, one one reason why I'm here is
because I've been reading media reports, um, some of the other towns that were mentioned in the Washington Post story. And I've been kind of just, um, checking out what their response has been. And I was happy to see that um, Township Attorney Buco was quoted in NJ Spotlight
as saying that a detention center doesn't belong here in Roxberry. But um there have been other towns including um Marry Mack, New Hampshire, Stafford, Virginia, um Highland Park in Michigan, and as Adam mentioned, Orange County in
New York. Um and he quoted someone that I was going to quote who um was quoted um he's the county executive of Orange County. But anyway, so they had just as little information as you do. The government never reached out to these officials. They knew nothing. But they
were very vocal in their strong opposition to a DHS facility. And they cited some of the same um concerns that other residents have brought up here tonight, including infrastructure, the burden on taxpayers, um public safety, and also um the
humanitarian issues that that everyone has detailed here tonight. Um, so I'm just hoping that So anyway, the point is they they knew as little as you did, but they they are speaking out very strongly against it and they're looking into how they can fight um this decision if it
ever comes to fruition. So um I am just urging you to do the same thing. Um maybe you want to look at um reports and see how they're handling it, but I'm hoping that you can be uh just as vocal and just as strong in your opposition and just as strategic in taking and
examining measures to stop this. Thank you. >> Hello. Good evening. My name is Shaina. I live in Madison, New Jersey. >> Tilted. >> Tilted. Sure. My name is Shaina Germansky. I live in Madison, New Jersey. Before that, I've
lived in Somerset County and I've also been a resident in Union County, New Jersey. Um, I'm here tonight on this matter that we've all spoken about, and I'm not going to repeat things that have already been said, or at least I'm going to try not to. Um, I am a special
education teacher and also a board certified behavior analyst. And I say that because I am someone like you who spends my career and my time serving our community members. And the people that I'm currently serving, many of them are
very scared because of the position that they are in because they have come here to seek a better life, right? They haven't they haven't done anything wrong other than looking for a better life for themselves and their family. They are not criminals. They are some of the
loveliest people that I've met and I'm lucky that I get to know them. No one deserves to live in fear and that is why many people have fleed other countries to come here and now they are again re having trauma after trauma across different borders that shouldn't even
exist to begin with. This also impacts me on a personal level beyond my profession. Um a loved one who's a family member is um she is not born in this country. her native language is not English although she speaks it fluently
as well as being multilingual. Um she is scared and we are scared for her because of her skin color because her native language is not English. Even when she speaks English perfectly, she speaks it with her native language and country origin accent. She has a PhD. She's a
professor. But this shouldn't matter because education level should not impact somebody's standing in our society. My friend, her fiance is currently detained. He started off his detention
um in Delaney Hall in New Jersey. He's been detained for over three months now. And what he is going through, nobody should have to endure. He is a strong individual. he what he did to get here and what I've heard of his story, what
he had to endure. He is not somebody who has a weak mindset and who's not physically weak, but yet the psychological and abuse that he's going through is breaking him down. And this is what DHS and ICE is looking to do to people that are detained from the
majority of the stories that I've heard. He was very sadly moved 30 minutes before he was had his scheduled was supposed to have his scheduled court hearing. He has an attorney. His fiance,
my friend, has spent well over $10,000 and he was moved across the country 30 minutes before that scheduled hearing to >> [applause] >> more minutes of open public before we close.
>> Hi, my name is Ardith Collins. I'm a resident of Pipony. Congratulations to all uh who took an oath to serve the people in this beautiful service tonight. I'm a Jersey girl through and through. I
love this country. I love Morris County. I oppose any development of an ICE detainment facility in Roxberry. Do you really want to be known as a for-profit prison town? Do you really want masked troops in this town? If you don't,
please be courageous and speak out. If you do, history has its eyes on you. Warehouses are for packages, not people. Steven Miller has a goal of deporting 3,000 people a day. ICE has arrested over 68,000 people in 2025 and the data
shows that 72% of those had no criminal convictions. The goal of 2026 is to deport 1 million people per year. Many have expressed concern about immigrants tonight. I will add the question, who will be next when ISIS finished with the
immigrants? It brings to mind the words of Pastor Martin Newmer. First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did
not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. >> [applause] >> Thank you.
>> Good evening. I'm Cassie Holm. Lived in New Jersey my entire life. Currently in Bloomfield. Drove the distance to get here. A number of us, as you've pointed out, are not from here. I echo everything that everybody has said. The key point I wanted to make has been made, but I'll reinforce it. This is on
your heads. This will be something you carry with you forever. This is something you have to go home and talk to your kids about and then history will also be talking about it. So this is a moment to stand
up, show how Roxbury is taking a lead and also show how New Jersey is going to show the rest of the country how to move forward. It's an huge opportunity for you and a huge opportunity for us and we'd like to support you in that. Thank you.
>> [applause] >> Seeing no one else, I'll close public motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you everybody. >> [clears throat] >> How are