SEYMOUR, In. (WAVE) – Seymour, Indiana has experienced significant growth since the turn of the century; Don’t return to the trick-or-treating place in the center of town any longer.

The parade full of costumed children turned into a packed council chamber Monday night. Mayor Matthew Nicholson was not there. He canceled Monday’s formal meeting on Thursday, the day after the Indiana Attorney General announced it would happen. We’re investigating whether Seymour is acting as a city of refuge.

“I don’t have all the answers,” Seymour Common Councilman Drew Storey said. “But hearing your questions gives me the opportunity to ask questions that we can get answers to.”

Councilor Storey led an informal community forum following last week’s announcement and the mayor’s cancellation of Monday’s meeting. He and two other council members arrived.

Many people have expressed concern about accidents occurring due to driving by people who have never had a driver’s license. The municipality will also be required to provide data on people caught without a license as part of the attorney general’s investigation.

“I don’t mind if we are a sanctuary city. I’m not. But I can’t tell you we are,” Storey said. “I don’t know that our policies supporting a sanctuary city have been implemented, but Seymour doesn’t want that.”

It’s an issue that’s exploded in recent years, said State Representative and Seymour native Jim Lucas.

“The growth that we have seen and experienced over the last several years, as we have seen in other communities across the state, exceeds our ability to handle this,” said Rep. Lucas.

Census data show that over the past 20 years, the Hispanic population in Seymour has increased from 4.8% to roughly 13%, with the overall population increasing by nearly 3,000 people.

Officials in Seymour have until Nov. 8 to comply with the investigation request.

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