MAHOPAC – An ICE agent who raised eyebrows earlier this year because of his service on the Mahopac Board of Education is back in the news as he has been elected president of the school board.
Last January tempers at a meeting of the school board flared when a group calling itself Peoples Immigrant Coalition, which had been protesting ICE agents removing both undocumented and documented individuals from streets in the greater Brewster-Carmel area, called on school trustees to remove one of its members – Chris Harrigan – for serving as an ICE agent.
He had been captured on video several times since August 2025 acting as an agent of ICEERO (Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations), arresting individuals in Brewster and Carmel.
The group charged that ICE violation of human and constitutional rights was in direct conflict with the school board’s mission to ensure the safety and education of all students.
However, the majority of those addressing the trustees that evening endorsed Harrigan, including County Executive Kevin Byrne, who called him an “elected representative.”
“The reality is the law is serving us all. We in Putnam County stand with our people in law enforcement. Thank you for a job well done,” Byrne remarked.
Carmel Councilman Robert Kearns added, “Trustee Harrigan has dedicated himself to serving our country. He deserves our heartfelt support and respect.”
Harrigan received the board’s support that evening.
Now, by a 5-4 vote, Harrigan has been elected president of the Mahopac Board of Education at the district’s 2026-27 school year annual meeting.
Trustee Nicole Iacono described Harrigan as “a strong and consistent voice in our district, both as a community member and in his role as a board trustee, always showing respect, while taking the time to truly listen to all perspectives.”
Harrigan said he has experience leading a team of people with different perspectives, skills, and goals.
“Over the past two years serving on this board has given me a deeper understanding of our district, our educational system, and the role we play in supporting student success,” he said adding, “During that time, I’ve worked hard to learn, listen, and contribute in a meaningful way.”
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