Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in contested races address leading up to the Aug. 4 primary election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.
Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on property taxes and the county budget, housing affordability and development, and data centers.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Several readers asked county candidates directly whether local government and law enforcement in Johnson County should cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, including ICE and 287(g) agreements, which allow local authorities to partner with federal immigration agents on enforcement. What is your position on the county’s role in immigration enforcement?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
Karen Crnkovich
Johnson County has no authority to rewrite federal immigration law. Our responsibility is to uphold the law, support our law enforcement professionals, and keep our communities safe.
Mike Kelly
Like many of you, I’m deeply troubled by ICE’s actions across our nation. One of the most important things in Johnson County is a fundamental feeling of safety. We work hard to protect that, and I will work to protect everyone who lives in our community.
At Johnson County, we designate County resources to perform County operations, including the Sheriff’s Office. It is not our job to conduct Federal immigration enforcement. We don’t have a 287(g) agreement with the Federal Government, and I don’t advocate that we enter into any such agreement. Instead, let’s make sure that everyone feels comfortable utilizing Johnson County services, including seeking the help of local law enforcement when they need it.
Every person in Johnson County deserves to have their constitutional rights respected and upheld, regardless of the color of their skin or their immigration status. That’s a core component of democracy and it’s fundamental to maintaining trust between residents and local government, which ultimately makes our entire community safer and stronger.
Gene Senesac
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Coming up:
Tomorrow we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:
After the county’s plan to convert a Lenexa hotel into a shelter was blocked two years ago when Lenexa denied a needed permit, some readers say homelessness still needs a countywide answer. How, if at all, do you want the county to address this issue now?
