Residents urge Bethlehem to adopt ‘welcoming city’ protections as council and police describe limits of local authority

Dozens of residents at Monday’s Bethlehem City Council meeting urged the council to adopt a “welcoming city” or sanctuary-style policy that would limit the city’s voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Speakers described fear in immigrant families and asked the city to put its practices in writing.

The calls came during public comment, when residents of South Bethlehem, college students and faith leaders described daily anxiety over possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits and asked the council to make explicit that local resources will not be used to facilitate deportations.

“Please consider passing an executive order which states that police is not to comply with ICE detainer request unless they are supported by your judicial warrant and pertain to a person convicted of a felony involving violence,” said Karen Vasquez, who identified herself as a daughter of undocumented immigrants and a South Side resident. Several other speakers described similar personal or family fears.

The council heard multiple accounts: student speakers from Lehigh University said immigrant neighbors contribute to the city’s economy and community life; veterans and faith leaders urged compassion; and community organizers said they want to document a municipal policy so protections cannot be reversed without a vote.

Council and administration officials said they understand residents’ fears but described the limits of municipal authority. Bethlehem Police Department Chief Sean Cott told council that the department’s “mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents regardless of their immigration status” and that the department does not participate in the federal 287(g) program.

Mayor J. Reynolds and City Solicitor Matthew Spirk emphasized that local officials must follow state and federal law. Reynolds said the city would “follow federal law” if federal agents present a judicial warrant or court order, while also saying the city will continue efforts to maintain community trust. Solicitor Spirk added that schools and houses of worship are sensitive settings and local officials are coordinating with district and faith leaders about procedures.

Residents and student speakers argued that formal, local policies would offer clearer protections and increase trust so people report crimes and use city services. Multiple speakers asked the council to follow Allentown’s model, which they said spells out when municipal employees should refuse voluntary cooperation with ICE unless compelled by law.

Councilmembers asked police, the solicitor and the administration several procedural questions about training, multi-lingual emergency messages and the city’s ability to refuse voluntary assistance to federal agents. Chief Cott said the department provides regular training to officers, has policies prohibiting discriminatory stops and that officers receive updates on responsibilities regarding federal immigration enforcement.

The meeting did not include a council vote on a welcoming-cities resolution. Several council members said they support further review and coordination with Harb, the police and legal staff and signaled interest in returning to the topic after additional legal and procedural review.