Noel residents demand ICE agreement be canceled, city marshal investigated after student's arrest

Calls to end Noel, Missouri's, partnership with federal immigration authorities grew louder Tuesday night as hundreds packed a city council meeting.

They demanded answers about the detention of a 19-year-old high school student and questioned whether the city's marshal had the authority to enter the controversial agreement in the first place.

Residents urged city leaders to cancel the 287(g) agreement with ICE, investigate interim Marshal Daniel Vaughn, and examine whether the city's participation in the program was properly authorized.

The controversy follows the September 29 arrest of Rodrigo Gonzalez Carbajal, a McDonald County High School senior who was taken into federal immigration custody following a traffic stop.

The 287(g) program allows specially trained local officers to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision.

Brian Bogart, a retired police lieutenant, called for an independent investigation into the agreement and Vaughn's conduct.

He questioned whether Vaughn had obtained proper authorization from the council and whether established procedures were followed during Gonzalez Carbajal's detention and transfer to federal custody.

"I understand that 287G is a federal program, but federal participation does not eliminate the need for proper local authorization, accountability, or compliance with the law," Bogart told the council.

He also raised concerns about the consequences of allowing routine police encounters to turn into immigration arrests.

"People should not have to fear that an ordinary encounter with local police would result in detention or transfer to federal immigration authorities without lawful basis or appropriate safeguards," Bogart said. "The badge represents the law. It does not place anybody above it."

Bogart also urged officials to consider suspending Vaughn's law enforcement duties during an investigation, if legally authorized.

Angie Brewer raised additional concerns, alleging that copies of the city's 287(g) agreement obtained through a public records request contained discrepancies.

Brewer said a copy provided to a city official was missing a date and federal signature information appearing on another version of the agreement.

She also disputed Vaughn's previous statements that an ICE warrant was already in effect when Gonzalez Carbajal was stopped.

The marshal's office previously reported that a records check revealed an active ICE warrant and ongoing immigration proceedings.

Matthew Brewer, another resident, said the detention has changed how he feels about his community, despite supporting President Donald Trump.

"I voted for Trump," Brewer said. "I don't support what happened here. It's not right. I think everyone needs to take a stand for what's right and what matters and do what Jesus would do, and that's the right thing," he added.

Other speakers described the emotional toll on Gonzalez Carbajal's classmates and soccer teammates, several of whom attended the meeting.

More than 200 signatures called for a formal review and council vote on the agreement.

Newly appointed Mayor Stacy Stroup acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the city had not received any 287(g) funding.

She also clarified that the city was pursuing separate grant opportunities for police equipment, including body cameras, rather than relying on immigration enforcement funding.

Stroup told residents the city was working with its attorney to strengthen hiring procedures and background checks after questions surfaced about existing personnel policies.

As the public meeting concluded, Stroup acknowledged the seriousness of the immigration enforcement controversy but said legal and personnel matters would have to be addressed behind closed doors.

"We do recognize this is something that has to be addressed," Stroup said.

No decision was announced during the public portion of the meeting, but Stroup indicated that decisions made during the closed session would be announced within 72 hours.