NATICK – Select Board Chair Kathryn Coughlin of Natick recently discovered that her car, parked in her own driveway, had been vandalized. The words “DEPORT ILLEGALS” were spray-painted across the side of the vehicle.
Coughlin has not provided any additional comments on the incident, stating she will address the matter at a public select board meeting.
Immigration Policy Proposal
The vandalism comes shortly after Coughlin presented a new immigration policy at a select board meeting on November 20, just ten days prior. The proposal, known as “Welcoming Communities,” aims to formalize existing laws that prevent town employees, including police officers, from acting as immigration enforcement agents.
Coughlin explained that under the policy, town employees would not have the authority to question residents about their immigration status, except in human resources-related situations.
“The timing of this policy rollout is entirely coincidental to the election,” Coughlin stated. “This is not a reaction to recent political events, nor a response to fear-driven narratives or social media. Discussions about this policy began back in 2022.”
Community Response and Police Investigation
The vandalism incident is being investigated by the Natick Police and highlights the strong division in the town regarding the proposed policy. Local resident Paul Piccioli, who has lived in Natick for 54 years, is running for a seat on the Select Board, partly due to his opposition to the policy. Piccioli expressed concerns about the policy being pushed through too quickly and said he does not believe it is the right time for such a change.
“I worry that this will make Natick a magnet for immigrants, especially those from places like Framingham, who may believe we are a sanctuary city,” Piccioli said. “I just don’t think we need this right now.”
However, others in Natick support the proposed change, arguing that it is essential for the town. “This country was built on immigrants,” said Alessandro Lindsey, a local resident. “The distinction between legal and illegal is just paperwork.”
Condemnation of Vandalism
Despite their differing views on the immigration policy, both sides agree that the vandalism targeting Coughlin’s car was unacceptable.
“If we disagree, we should discuss it,” Piccioli said. “I feel bad for her—what happened is not right.”
Lindsey added, “This kind of act is born from fear and desperation. No one deserves that, especially someone who is giving their time to serve the community.”
A vote on the proposed immigration policy is scheduled for December 18.
Related topics:
- Trump’s Mass Deportations Could Devastate Agricultural Economies
- German Start-Ups Urge Government to Simplify Visa Rules and Speed Up Processing for Global Talent
- Deportation-Ordered Immigrant with Criminal Record Escapes ICE Detention Using Bedsheets
