Group calling on Mahopac school board member to resign, claiming he's participating in ICE raids

Marcus Solis

Fri, January 23, 2026 at 4:29 AM UTC

2 min read

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A group protesting immigration enforcement activity in Putnam County is calling on a Mahopac school board member to step down, claiming he's been participating in ICE arrests in neighboring communities.

On the Mahopac Board of Education website, Christopher Harrigan lists volunteer work and that he's spent close to 20 years in law enforcement. Specifically, Harrigan is a deportation officer for ICE.

Mahopac School Board Member Christopher Harrigan says he is not resigning and the board is not asking him to.

"This Board of Education stands behind trustee Chris Harrigan and will not be entertaining his removal," said Mahopac Central School District Board of Education President Michael Mongon.

Some residents have been calling for his removal - Harrigan is an ICE deportation officer.

At Thursday's school board meeting, some of those residents expressed their discomfort, calling his day job a conflict of interest.

"How can you ensure safety when one of your own is working for an organization that is terrorizing children and families?" said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.

"We cannot have an individual who is responsible for that fear on our school board," added Bailia Lemonik.

However, they were outnumbered - even heckled.

"Refrain from obscene language, libelous statements, come on," said Mongon.

The Board even took a break after asking those passionate on both sides to cool off.

"I'm not surprised that the people who are being the most vocal and hateful are the ones who support the ICE agent on the board," said Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli.

"A trustee's career outside district duties should not be weaponized against them," said Mahopac resident Kate Bellantoni.

The support drew cheers.

Putnam County Legislator Erin Crowley says Harrigan isn't someone parents should be fearful of.

"People aren't coming into your schools, the kids are safe. It's not happening. If you came here under an executive order that is illegal, then I'm sorry, you committed a crime," Crowley said.

The majority of those who spoke at the tense meeting praised Harrigan's work and record as a school board trustee, and the board for sticking by him. They also noted that some who spoke in opposition to him don't live in the community.

The board pointed to the fact that he was duly elected and said his employment doesn't disqualify him.

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