The proposed order, referred to as paper 72-26, seeks to prohibit city employees from assisting federal agencies like ICE and CBP in immigration enforcement actions. The initiative, co-sponsored by some council members, aims to ensure Malden’s resources prioritize local needs, particularly in its diverse and immigrant-rich community. Public sentiment during the meeting was largely in favor of this order. Residents expressed concerns over federal overreach and highlighted incidents involving ICE that they perceived as threatening community safety. One resident emphasized the moral imperative of the order, viewing it as a stance against authoritarian federal actions.

Despite broad support, the proposal faced criticism from some quarters, notably concerning its legal and operational implications. The city’s police chief voiced opposition, underscoring potential conflicts with established state laws and departmental policies. The chief emphasized the importance of existing partnerships with federal entities, which are important for tackling serious crimes and maintaining public safety. The chief argued that the order could create ambiguity and challenges for officers, particularly with its subjective language regarding safety and cooperation.

Council members acknowledged these concerns and expressed a desire to send the order to committee for further review. They underscored the importance of balancing the need for community safety with the operational realities of local law enforcement.

Concurrently, the council deliberated on a $300,000 appropriation from the water and sewer enterprise fund to settle a legal dispute with TUS Construction Incorporated. The settlement stems from contracts related to water and sewer projects, and the appropriation was described as a one-time allocation from retained earnings within the fund. Some council members questioned the appropriateness of using these funds, citing concerns about transparency and the impact on future projects, such as lead pipe replacements.

The city controller clarified that the appropriation represented unallocated reserves and would not affect ongoing capital projects. However, skepticism remained among some council members, who argued for a review by the finance committee. They emphasized the need for independent legal opinions and expressed unease about the potential legal liabilities and ethical considerations of the settlement.

Despite these concerns, the council moved to suspend the rules and voted on the appropriation, which passed by a significant majority. The decision highlights the urgency perceived by some members to resolve the matter promptly, although it also underscores the divisions within the council regarding fiscal management and legal oversight.

In addition to these primary issues, the council addressed several other matters, including the reappointment of committee members to the affordable housing trust fund board, opting into early voting for the 2026 special municipal election, and discussing various licensing applications. These discussions, while routine, reflect ongoing efforts to manage city governance effectively and inclusively.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed gratitude to city departments for their recent efforts during a major snowstorm and highlighted upcoming community events, such as “Very Vinyl Valentine’s” and music bingo fundraisers.