County to hold Refugee Resettlement hearing

There will still be a public hearing regarding the Refugee Resettlement Program in Lyon County. At the last county board meeting, a request for written consent by the federal government to establish a Refugee Resettlement Program in Lyon County was delayed until a public hearing could be held at 6:30 p.m., January 28 at the Lyon County Law Enforcement Office.

But a federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Appeals in Maryland has approved an injunction against President Donald Trump’s Executive Order regarding the program. 

“This decision effectively rules. Local governments cannot exercise veto power over refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions,” said the order. "After our meeting two weeks ago, the order was struck down,” said Administrator Loren Stomberg.

“It’s my understanding this will be appealed to a higher court,” he continued. “There will be more action on it — but at this time the matter has been returned to the status quo,” said Lyon County Attorney Rick Maes.

“We will continue to go ahead with the public hearing, but no action will be taken (by the board),” said Commissioner Gary Crowley. “We can go ahead with the meeting and see what people have to say, then see how the injunction plays out,” added Attorney Maes.

“What we were looking at doing was allowing refugees to come to Lyon County,” said Commissioner Charlie Sanow.

Lyon County has a history of allowing refugees seeking to live here. After hearing a variety of comments at a previous meeting, the board had decided to hold the public hearing. “I have had a lot of public comment indicating a need for still having a public hearing,” said Commissioner Sanow.

“I think we should have a public hearing and let people come forward and tell how they feel about the program,” said Commissioner Sanow, as Steve Ritter agreed. “Some people are fearful, and there needs to be a discussion in public,” added Commissioner Sanow.

“I’ve heard a lot of comments on both sides, and I’d say it’s 50-50 for and against (the public hearing),” said Commissioner Gary Crowley.

President Donald Trump had issued the executive order requiring state and local governments to provide written consent to the federal government before refugees can be resettled in their jurisdictions. The program was set to officially begin June 1, 2020. This order will apply to all arriving refugees, including those with family members already living in Minnesota.