Resident Asks About ICE Task-Force; Police Chief and Council Say Borough Has Working Relationship but No Plan to Join Task Force

During public comment, resident Frank Dautrich asked whether Columbia Borough intended to join an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) task force after news that Quarryville had authorized its police department to join. He asked if Columbia had plans to adopt a similar program. Chief Romer (referred to in the meeting) and borough staff responded that Columbia officers already coordinate with immigration authorities when lawful reason exists to detain or notify ICE — for example, when an individual is wanted by immigration or other authorities — and that the borough currently has a working relationship. Chief Romer and borough staff said there is no present plan to join an ICE task force; the chief said officers are “busy enough” and that the department follows existing procedures when there is probable cause, reasonable suspicion or an arrest that would warrant contacting immigration. Council and staff discussed a past incident in which officers detained an individual wanted by immigration and local law enforcement for a homicide, coordinating with immigration officials. Council and the chief emphasized that officers may not stop or question individuals solely to ask immigration status, but will follow established procedures when lawful grounds for detention exist. No formal motion or policy change was proposed or adopted at the meeting.