STOP ICE in OTSEGO COUNTY

In October 2025, Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. signed a 287(g) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreement with ICE. Below is a script you can use to contact the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department via phone, email, or letter to demand the rescission of this voluntary agreement.  

We as a community do not want our local institutions to collaborate in any way with masked paramilitary forces who are occupying an American city against the will of its citizens. 

Remember, local law enforcement is not our adversary.  Please be polite but clear when making your voice heard.

Contact Information

• Phone: 607-547-4271 or 607-547-4273

• Email: SHERIFF@otsegocounty.com

• Mailing Address: 172 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Phone, Email, or Letter Script

Subject: RESCIND THE 287(g) AGREEMENT WITH ICE

Greeting:

"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a resident of [Your Town/City] in Otsego County."

The Demand:

"I am [calling/writing] today to strongly urge Sheriff Devlin to immediately rescind the 287(g) Warrant Service Officer agreement signed with ICE."

Key Points to Mention (pick the ones that you feel strongest about):

• Erosion of Trust: Immigrant communities become fearful and distrustful of local police, avoiding reporting crimes or seeking help, which undermines public safety for everyone.

• Reduced Crime Reporting: Victims and witnesses, fearing immigration consequences, are less likely to come forward, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.

• Misuse of Local Resources: Diverts local tax dollars, personnel, and time from core community safety duties to complex federal immigration enforcement.

• Racial Profiling & Civil Rights Violations: Increased instances of profiling Latinos and U.S. citizens, leading to wrongful detentions and unconstitutional arrests.

• High Costs & Lawsuits: Creates significant financial burdens for counties and exposes them to costly legal challenges over rights violations.

• Community Alienation: Creates a climate of fear and isolation, making immigrant families feel like they are under constant surveillance.

• No Obligation: Participation is voluntary, and local law enforcement has no mandate to enforce federal immigration law. 

Closing:

"I ask that the Sheriff prioritize the safety and trust of all Otsego County residents by ending this partnership with ICE. I look forward to hearing how the Sheriff plans to respond to these community concerns. Thank you for your time."

Important Context for Your Advocacy

• Voluntary Status: The agreement is a voluntary contract and the Sheriff has the authority to terminate it.

• Re-election Context: As of January 2026, Sheriff Devlin is running for re-election. Letting his office know that this is a priority for voters is a key part of the democratic process.

• Other Options: You may also wish to contact the Otsego County Board of Representatives to ask them to use their budgetary oversight to discourage the use of county funds for this agreement.