Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny has expressed regret over a controversial comment she made during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, which took place at Rockland Community College on February 1. In a video that circulated on social media, Kenny was heard saying, “I hope they check his immigration status,” directed at a man who was being escorted out by law enforcement after using an expletive during the event.
Following the backlash, including criticism from Nicole Hines, president of the Nyack NAACP, Kenny took to Facebook on February 3 to clarify her remarks, stating that her comment was intended as an “obvious off-the-cuff joke” and acknowledging that it was inappropriate given the heightened emotions surrounding immigration discussions. She admitted, “I should not have made the comment, and I regret doing so.”
Hines condemned Kenny’s remarks, deeming them distasteful and unnecessary, particularly towards an individual who appeared to be a person of color. She articulated concerns about the safety feelings of immigrant families in the community, saying, “To be an elected official in a town that has immigrant families, how are they supposed to feel safe hearing the words that she said that night.”
During the town hall, which involved heated exchanges surrounding topics such as ICE and comparisons to the Gestapo, Lawler responded to the tension by disavowing the rhetoric of labeling political opponents as “domestic terrorists” or equating ICE to oppressive regimes.
Kenny, who made history as the first female supervisor of Orangetown when elected in 2020, is currently serving her third term. Her prior relation as Lawler’s boss while he was deputy town supervisor creates a layered dynamic in their political relationship.
While her comments have sparked significant outrage, Kenny’s acknowledgment of the inappropriateness of her words demonstrates a recognition of the sensitivities surrounding immigration issues, which is a topic of considerable importance in many communities today. Moving forward, her responses may encourage more constructive dialogue around immigration policies.