When people are afraid to use county services or go to court, especially as victims of crimes or witnesses of crimes, it makes everyone on Cape Cod less safe.
— Dan Gessen, Falmouth
County Sets Barriers with ICE
What does the Barnstable County Assembly's ordinance say about ICE use of county buildings? We chat with Dan Gessen, author of the ordinance to find out more about the legislation's intent
Click on image to watch short conversation
10 April 2026 – BARNSTABLE, MA – A one-two punch from Cape Cod’s regional county government aims to restrict immigration enforcement activities in county-owned courts and public buildings.
What did the Assembly do?
On March 18, the Assembly of Delegates introduced an ordinance to manage use of county-owned properties for immigration enforcement. Proponents say it is a matter of public safety in and around the courts.
What did the Commissioners do?
Then on April 8, the County Commissioners voted to implement state Executive Order 650, which limits how federal civil immigration enforcement can operate on public properties.
What happens next with the ordinance?
The County ordinance now moves to a committee hearing with public input, a vote of the full assembly, and a vote by the Commissioners. If all goes smoothly, the ordinance would become law in June.
We spoke with Falmouth Assembly delegate Dan Gessen, who wrote the ordinance, to better understand the process and impact of the proposed law.
For more information:
Full Assembly ordinance:
Commissioners’ resolution:
