Narberth advisory committee reviews draft resolution reaffirming nonparticipation in federal immigration enforcement

Narberth — The borough’s Police Advisory Committee on Tuesday reviewed a draft borough-council resolution meant to clarify the borough’s stance on federal immigration enforcement and to explain what residents should expect from local police.

Mayor: "It does not change our commitment to public safety," the mayor said, explaining the resolution was developed with the solicitor and subject-matter experts and will be voted on by borough council the following day. The mayor said the draft is intended to build trust in the community and to make clear what the borough will and will not do in interactions involving federal immigration authorities.

Chief’s briefing: Police Chief John told the committee the draft does not restrict or hamper Narberth Police Department operations. "There is no change in our procedure," he said, adding that municipal officers check the national warrants database (NCIC) for outstanding warrants but do not proactively perform immigration-status checks. He also said Montgomery County correctional officials will not accept persons on administrative immigration warrants, which limits the ability of local agencies to act on such detainers.

Public comment and concerns: During an early public-comment period moved up on the agenda, resident John Constantine criticized the timing and expense of drafting the resolution, saying the borough was "wasting my tax value dollars" if the document made no practical change to policing. Constantine urged the committee to focus on broader police-policy reforms such as body cameras and internal oversight rather than passing a statement quickly.

Committee response and next steps: Committee members discussed whether the advisory body should issue its own statement to borough council or simply report the input it collected. Several members said the commission is not an elected body and should avoid making a political statement; others said compiling and passing along public feedback and the chief’s briefing would be appropriate. The committee agreed to prepare a written summary of the discussion and public comments to share with borough council and to consider attending the council meeting to present that summary in person. No formal advisory vote on the resolution was taken by the committee.

What residents should know: Committee members and the chief emphasized that, if residents see activity they are concerned about, the borough’s guidance remains to call 911 so officers can evaluate the situation. The chief said rapid contact helps police determine what is happening and respond safely.

Context: Committee members noted the draft closely mirrors language passed recently in neighboring municipalities, including Haverford Township, with only small additions in the borough draft intended to address local criminal-justice concerns. Borough council scheduled its vote on the resolution for the next day; the advisory committee limited its action to preparing a summary of public input and the chief’s information for council consideration.

The committee adjourned; members said the group will meet again in March and that one member will draft the summary to send to borough council.