Residents urge Scranton City Council to protect immigrants, ask for ‘safe-haven’ resolution

Dozens of residents used the public-comment period at the June 17 Scranton City Council meeting to call on the council to limit local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to adopt a city “safe-haven” resolution to protect LGBTQ and immigrant residents.

Angelo Ramon, a Scranton resident, criticized recent ICE actions in other cities and asked the council: “Are we going to take action here to make sure that those sorts of events don't take place?” He asked the council to ensure courthouses remain places where witnesses and victims can appear without fear of immigration detention.

Ryan Lindberg, another resident, told the council that the city can comply with federal law while refusing to assist practices that “create a culture of fear.” Lindberg asked council to consider several specific steps, including ensuring “no city agency cooperates with ICE without a judicial warrant,” prohibiting city departments from sharing resident data with ICE, and designating schools, libraries and hospitals as ICE-free zones so people can access services without fear.

Frankie Malakarios, who said he helped form a local immigrants-rights coalition, urged the council to introduce legislation declaring Scranton a welcoming city and to adopt a safe-haven resolution protecting queer people and undocumented residents.

Speakers also described local incidents and national headlines they said demonstrate a pattern of harm when immigration enforcement operates inside courthouses and public institutions. Commenters framed the proposals as public-safety measures intended to encourage victims and witnesses to come forward without fear of deportation.

The council did not take immediate formal action on the requests during the meeting. Several council members acknowledged the comments; some expressed willingness to consider related legislation or further discussion at caucus.

Next steps noted by commenters included drafting a formal resolution and referral to the appropriate council committee for review. As of the meeting, no ordinance or resolution was introduced on the floor related to ICE cooperation or a citywide safe-haven policy.