MORGANTOWN — Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble and Deputy Mayor Brian Butcher have issued a statement in regard to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the Morgantown area.
Butcher explained the statement was released in their individual capacities as mayor and deputy mayor and not on behalf of Morgantown City Council.
The entire statement is copied below:
We want to take a moment to reach out to our community with a message for everyone affected by the recent ICE raids in our area and across the nation. Please know that we understand, as do others in our community, that the actions taken by this agency have created a deep sense of fear and uncertainty in our society. It’s important to acknowledge the feelings that many of us may be experiencing right now, so we write to you today to assure you that no matter what you, your friends, or your family may be facing, you are not alone in your grief or thoughts and that we are here to support you.
We are a resilient community built on a foundation of resilient people, and together, we stand stronger, as we always have. It’s essential to remember that we each have a role in supporting one another, to ensure the safety and prosperity of our loved ones.
We encourage everyone to check in with your neighbors, support your local businesses, and show extra love and kindness to your friends and others close to you. Please offer assistance when you can by sharing resources to help those in need, speaking up, and keeping each other informed. We have many local organizations and community members ready to provide support, whether through legal advice, emotional counseling, or simply a listening ear. Again, you are not alone.
Together, let’s reaffirm our commitment to unity, inclusivity, and the welcoming of a diverse community even whilst we face our darkest days in this nation. The only way to navigate these challenging times is by uplifting one another and cultivating a sense of belonging for all. This is the Morgantown, state, and country that we long to see and work toward each and every day.
As always, we are committed to ensuring that everything we do represents the aspirations of a just society in which equal opportunity and safety is afforded to everyone. We will continue to work with our local officials and leaders to fairly and compassionately represent the people of Morgantown and question anything to the contrary.
Please join us in sharing this message and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need to talk.
