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2 <br /> 1 and recognized the opportunity to continue fighting inequity and injustice in all forms. With that <br /> 2 sentiment in mind, she read the following proclamation that the Board added to the agenda: <br /> 3 <br /> 4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 5 A RESOLUTION ADVOCATING ACCOUNTABILITY, IMPROVED OVERSIGHT, AND <br /> 6 REFORMS AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY <br /> 7 <br /> 8 WHEREAS, citizens of the United States and law-abiding immigrants have suffered violence and <br /> 9 the violation of their constitutional rights at the hands of agents of the U.S. Department of <br /> 10 Homeland Security, and <br /> 11 <br /> 12 WHEREAS, this trend has been occurring in numerous cities and states across America, and <br /> 13 <br /> 14 WHEREAS, community safety depends on the public's trust that law enforcement officers comply <br /> 15 with the U.S. Constitution and federal, state, and local laws, and that they act in residents' best <br /> 16 interests, and <br /> 17 <br /> 18 WHEREAS, local law enforcement and local government play a key role in ensuring community <br /> 19 safety, and <br /> 20 <br /> 21 WHEREAS, the public trust has been eroded by the actions of federal agents, underscoring the <br /> 22 urgent need for accountability and reform in the administration of federal immigration <br /> 23 enforcement; <br /> 24 <br /> 25 BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, as elected <br /> 26 representatives and concerned constituents, urge its elected representatives in the U.S. Senate <br /> 27 and House to take immediate legislative action to ensure accountability, improve oversight, and <br /> 28 reform the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to protect the rights of all residents and restore <br /> 29 public trust <br /> 30 <br /> 31 <br /> 32 THIS THE 3rd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Jean Hamilton, Chair <br /> 36 Orange County Board of <br /> 37 Commissioners <br /> 38 <br /> 39 Commissioner Greene shared that she attended a GoTriangle board meeting on January <br /> 40 28th, and the board endorsed the Wake County Transit Plan's idea to reinvest $125 million of its <br /> 41 transit fund money to the regional rail project. She said if it happens, this will mean a train line <br /> 42 straight from Raleigh, NC to Richmond, VA. <br /> 43 Vice-Chair Fowler recognized February as Black History Month and Human Relations <br /> 44 Month, and said it was fitting to add the resolution read by Commissioner Carter. She quoted <br /> 45 Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said. They will forget what you did, <br /> 46 but people will never forget how you made them feel." Commissioner Fowler emphasized the <br /> 47 need to ensure Orange County residents feel respected, included, and welcome to engage in the <br /> 48 community. She said that Maya Angelou also spoke about "doing better when you know better", <br /> 49 and that is why it's critical to speak out at a time when reform is needed. She said she wants <br /> 50 people to remember feeling welcome, included, and valued, and to know that we are speaking <br />