State College Borough Council postpones vote on resolution urging reforms to ICE operations after extended debate

State College Borough Council on Feb. 2 heard a lengthy presentation and public comment on a proposed resolution urging federal reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and then voted to postpone the measure until the council’s next regular meeting.

Council member Matt Herndon read the resolution into the record, citing recent incidents and urging federal authorities to prohibit the use of masks that hide agent identities, end use of violent or chemical tactics against peaceful observers, and reaffirm adherence to warrants and due process. "When I took my oath of office, I swore to uphold the constitution," Herndon said as he introduced the measure.

Council President Myers said the council must take a stand and urged adoption. In a pointed remark during debate he said, "The solution to the Gestapo was not better training, it was its elimination," framing the resolution as a moral response to recent federal actions. Supporters, including Council member Hayes, cited publicly available video and called for accountability: "We can see the truth with our own eyes," Hayes said of footage he said shows fatal use of force.

Other council members warned that a symbolic resolution without accompanying local protections could endanger the very people it intends to protect. Council member Kasab said he was "very concerned" about potential retribution and urged the council to pair any statement with concrete safeguards and better outreach. Council member Gopalakrishnan Balachandran and Council member Nalani Krishnan Kutty echoed that caution, urging the borough to consider ordinances or operational steps—such as coordinated local law‑enforcement presence, translated "Know Your Rights" materials, and legal assistance—that would reduce risk to residents.

During a nearly two‑hour public comment period, community members and local organizations urged stronger, enforceable measures rather than only a statement. "We don't think that a resolution is strong enough. We need an ordinance of some kind," said Reverend Dr. Tracy Sprouse of the Centre County Rapid Response Network.

After deliberation, Council member Nalani Krishnan Kutty moved to postpone consideration to the next regular meeting; the motion was seconded by Council member Kasab and the chair recorded four votes in favor of postponement. The mayor announced the resolution would be taken up at the council’s next regular meeting.

Next steps noted in the meeting record: council members and staff discussed assembling more detailed proposals and outreach materials before returning to the topic. Staff said existing resources (the borough community resources web page and a Center for Immigrant Rights clinic at Penn State Dickinson School of Law) are being kept current and that staff will provide additional information and coordination with local law enforcement and county partners.