County Commissioners Adopt Executive Order 650 Resolution Restricting ICE on County Property
Commissioners Review Human Rights Trends Across Barnstable County
April 8, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners held a regular biweekly meeting on April 8, 2026, voting to implement Massachusetts Executive Order 650 at County properties and hearing updates on human rights trends across the region. The Board also approved a budget transfer to complete a long-awaited regional fire training facility and received a presentation from Children’s Cove as it prepares for its 30th anniversary.
Commissioners Adopt Resolution Implementing Executive Order 650
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted unanimously to implement Massachusetts Executive Order 650, as amended by Executive Order 655, across Barnstable County-owned and leased properties.
Executive Order 650, issued by Governor Maura Healey, limits how public properties may be used for federal civil immigration enforcement to ensure residents can access services without fear. The resolution directs the County Administrator to implement the policy and ensure staff and operations align with state guidance.
“Our responsibility is to ensure County properties remain places where people can access services without fear or intimidation,” said Commissioner Ronald Bergstrom, who introduced the resolution.
During public comment, several residents spoke in support of the measure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to services and clear policies governing the use of public property.
Human Rights Commission Reports Trends in Community Concerns
The Barnstable County Human Rights Commission provided an update on its work and shared 2025 data trends reflecting concerns reported across the region.
Human Rights Coordinator Leslie Dominguez-Santos presented the update alongside members of the Commission, including Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva (Falmouth), Rick Draper (Brewster), and Dan Kupferman (Mashpee).
In 2025, the Commission recorded 48 “touch points,” including intakes, reports, and inquiries—reflecting a gradual increase over time. Race remains the most frequently cited factor, with an increase in calls related to national origin and immigration concerns. Schools and public spaces continue to be key areas of concern.
The Commission also highlighted ongoing outreach efforts and continued work to expand community awareness and engagement.
Commissioners Proclaim May as ALS Awareness Month
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners approved a proclamation designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, recognizing the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The proclamation highlights the serious nature of ALS as a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease and underscores the importance of raising awareness, supporting research, and improving care for those affected.
View the Proclamation: ALS Awareness Month – May 2026
Children’s Cove Prepares for 30th Anniversary with New Branding
Children’s Cove provided an update on its rebranding initiative ahead of its 30th anniversary as a Barnstable County program.
Jacob Stapleton, Community Engagement and Education Program Manager, presented the new branding, which will launch later this month during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Children’s Cove serves as the region’s Child Advocacy Center. The updated branding emphasizes hope and healing, featuring a sunrise motif to reflect “brighter tomorrows” for children and families.
Commissioner Sheila Lyons noted that Children’s Cove was established through early collaboration between local leaders and the District Attorney to improve how child abuse cases were handled in the region.
“We saw what was happening and knew there had to be a better, more coordinated way to support children and families,” said Commissioner Sheila Lyons.
Commissioners expressed strong support for the program and its continued impact across the region.
Commissioners Advance Funding to Complete Regional Fire Training Facility
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners approved a $155,000 budget transfer to complete the County’s Public Safety Training Live Fire Project.
The project, in development since 2017, is nearing completion and will support coordinated training for fire departments across Cape Cod. Once finished, the facility will be transferred to the Town of Yarmouth.
The project is expected to provide critical, hands-on training opportunities for firefighters across the region.
County Reviews February Blizzard Response and Plans for Emergency Management Improvements
County Administrator Michael Dutton provided an update on the County’s response to the recent blizzard, noting that an after-action session was held with approximately 15 to 20 staff directly involved in the emergency response.
The session was described as productive and helped identify opportunities to strengthen coordination both within County departments and with the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee.
The County is also evaluating its emergency management structure and expects to bring forward recommendations in the coming months as part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional emergency preparedness.
Next Meeting Scheduled in Wellfleet
The next meeting of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners will take place on April 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wellfleet Adult Community Center, 715 Old Kings Highway. The meeting is part of the Commissioners’ ongoing “Meetings in the Community” series and will include presentations on water supply protection and innovative wastewater systems.
About Barnstable County Barnstable County provides regional services, programs, and leadership to the fifteen towns of Cape Cod. Through collaboration and innovation, the County works to address shared challenges and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors across the region. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
