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Erie officials say local police are not working with ICE as residents call for community briefings
Summary
Public commenters urged council to inform residents about federal immigration actions; city administration reiterated that Erie Police are not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and that no sweeps were verified locally.
Several residents told Erie City Council on Feb. 5 they feel unsafe amid federal immigration actions and urged the council and mayor to provide clear information and protections. City administration responded that the city and the Erie Police Department are not working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency on visa-enforcement sweeps.
“I'm here today to implore you to use your regular city council meetings to educate Erie residents,” said Liz Allen, a public commenter who identified herself as from the city of Erie. Allen asked that council invite local authorities and agency heads to describe how much federal funding local agencies depend on and to “amplify those voices” so residents understand potential impacts of federal policy and trade actions.
City administration told the council it had received questions and rumors about immigration enforcement and provided the mayor’s position: “The Erie Police Department is not working with them. The city of Erie is not working with them,” the administration spokesperson said on the record. The administration added that the police department does not enforce expired visas and that no planned sweeps had been verified locally.
Council members and speakers emphasized the need for clear information. Council Member Flores said she had asked the solicitor and the mayor’s office for specifics on planned local responses and had not yet received a direct action plan. Several speakers urged the city to use council presentations and social media to provide factual updates and resources for immigrant and migrant communities.
The administration also noted the city’s Welcoming certification through Welcoming America and said officials intend to continue local policies that emphasize safety and inclusion. The council agreed to continue community outreach and noted other agenda items — including the HUD five-year consolidated plan and countywide housing strategy — that will be opportunities to share information with residents.
Ending: The council did not adopt new legislation at the Feb. 5 meeting related to immigration enforcement. Officials said they would continue outreach and post factual resources on the city’s website and social channels.
