Branson Police Chief's ‘scalpel vs. sledgehammer’ argument persuades city

The Branson City Hall council chamber was standing room only as Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt gave his presentation on Bill 6644. The proposal, officially known as the 287(g) program, would allow specific Branson officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties. After three hours of dealing with an extremely discourteous audience and discussion by the public and the Board, the Bill passed by a vote of 6-0.

In his presentation, Chief Schmitt said that the Bill has nothing to do with whether "Immigration and Customs Enforcement" (ICE) can operate within the city, and that they have federal authority to enter the city and conduct operations at any time. He suggests that the limited cooperation provided for in the agreement is one way to minimize their active operation in Branson.

The Chief made it clear that this program is not to conduct random sweeps or stop people on the street to ask for papers. It intends to target dangerous criminals who are already victimizing the community. He gave specific examples of MS-13 gang members taking over local motels, such as the Polar Bear and the Hall of Fame. These individuals intimidated residents and even surrounded police officers, but because of their status and the fear they instilled, the police could not get witnesses to cooperate.

The core of the Chief's argument stresses the difference between using a scalpel and a sledgehammer. If the Branson Police Department does not assist in specific, high-priority cases, federal agents will eventually step in to do the job themselves. He warns that when federal agents enter a town, they bring a "much wider net" than local officers would ever use. By passing this Bill, Branson has the power to determine how enforcement takes place. The Branson Police Department would have "final discretion" over whether to take a person into custody, ensuring that difficult decisions are made by people who live in, know and care about the community.

More than one alderman complimented Chief Schmitt on his professionalism and trustworthiness. They expressed faith that he and his officers would enforce the agreement in a way that promotes the values that make Branson such a wonderful place for all to live, work and visit.