Council hears residents' immigration concerns; police and manager outline limited municipal role

Residents and councilors raised concerns about recent federal immigration enforcement activity and asked the borough to clarify local policies and protections. The matter arose during new business and public comment at the Feb. 5 Carlisle Borough Council workshop.

A councilor said constituents and friends are worried about people who are undocumented or on visas and asked whether the borough can do more to reassure residents. Borough officials said existing general orders focus on consular notification when a foreign national is arrested, not routine reporting to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The police chief and borough manager said local law-enforcement offices do not have authority over immigration law; immigration enforcement is federal. The chief said he has not been contacted by ICE with warrants in the eight years he has been on the force; he described memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between ICE and local agencies as uncommon in the region.

Officials suggested the borough will schedule a future workshop or discussion on the topic so staff, police and councilors can outline procedures, answer questions about arrests and custody (including the sheriff's role when a person is taken to prison) and discuss whether any local policy statements, outreach or clarifying public information would be appropriate. The borough manager indicated she has been discussing the issue with the police chief.

No ordinance or formal municipal policy change was proposed or adopted at the workshop; councilors and staff recommended further conversation and public engagement.