Write a commentIn light of the recent events in Cato, where 57 individuals were detained by ICE agents, I feel compelled to speak—not only as the mayor of Oswego, but as the son of an immigrant whose story continues to shape my values and convictions.
This issue is deeply personal to me and the events of last week very upsetting. My mother arrived in America in 1948, a young woman from a small mountain village in Italy. She came with hope, courage, and little else. She didn’t speak the language, and like so many immigrants of her generation, she faced prejudice, isolation, and hardship. Yet she persevered. Side by side with my father and grandfather, she worked long hours in the family business while raising three children. Her love for this country was unwavering, and she proudly became a naturalized citizen—a moment she cherished deeply.
Her journey to America came just a few years after witnessing the horrors of war firsthand. She saw Nazi troops march into her village, and later, she rejoiced as American soldiers liberated it. That experience instilled in her a profound appreciation for freedom and opportunity—values she found in her new home, even when life here was difficult.
My mother’s story is not unique. It echoes the experiences of countless families who came to this country seeking safety, dignity, and a better life. That’s why the events in Cato are so troubling. No family living here legally should be subjected to fear, confusion, or the trauma of sudden detainment. We must do better.
To be clear, the City of Oswego and our police department had no involvement in the raid, nor were we informed beforehand. Our only connection is the presence of a Border Patrol facility on the east side of our city. Over the weekend, many residents gathered there in protest, some camping overnight. On Monday, our Common Council meeting was filled with passionate voices expressing concern, frustration, and a desire for change. I understand their anger. I share their belief that something must be done.
Immigration policy in America has evolved over centuries, often shaped more by politics than by compassion or practicality. But regardless of the era, our approach must reflect the values we claim to hold dear—justice, humanity, and respect for those who contribute to our communities.
I may be the mayor of a small city in upstate New York, but I believe our voices matter. I urge our federal representatives to take meaningful action to reform immigration policy and ensure that any enforcement is carried out with transparency, fairness, and dignity. My mother believed in the promise of America. I still do. And I know we can live up to it.
