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Residents press Lansdale council to adopt a "welcoming" policy limiting noncriminal immigration enforcement
Summary
Multiple residents urged the borough to adopt a written welcoming policy to limit local cooperation with civil immigration enforcement and require judicial warrants before sharing data or assisting DHS; several council members signaled support and staff pledged follow-up.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the Feb. 18 Lansdale Borough Council meeting to urge the council to adopt a formal "welcoming" policy that would limit municipal cooperation with noncriminal federal immigration enforcement.
"I'm here in strong support of our council adopting an official policy that Lansdale's law enforcement officers and resources shall not be engaged in the enforcement of noncriminal federal immigration laws and that our borough will not participate in the ICE 287(g) program," Richard Strom told the council, framing the resolution as necessary to preserve trust between immigrant communities and local police.
Other speakers described personal fear and asked for clear, written guidance. Jazz Holiday asked the council to ensure that, when federal authorities seek local assistance, that help be compelled only by a judicial — not administrative — warrant. Priscilla Garcia said a visible police presence once made her anxious and that a clear policy in the police manual would reassure residents.
Supporters argued the measure is about public safety and reporting: several noted that victims and witnesses may be less likely to contact police if they fear immigration consequences. "Public safety depends on trust," Richard Strom said, urging the borough to adopt a resolution similar to neighboring municipalities' language.
Council members acknowledged the comments and some indicated support for drafting a policy. Councilwoman Mary Fuller said she supports and will work on a welcoming policy, noting the borough has had reports of local ICE activity and that clear borough language could help protect residents. Mayor Rachel Boland said she has met with the solicitor and police chief and that administration is "going to continue collaborating and working kind of behind the scenes to get something, to release to you." She invited advocates to meet with staff for follow-up.
The council did not vote on a welcoming ordinance or resolution at the meeting. Solicitor and staff comments during the earlier zoning discussion outlined how the borough would advertise and hold hearings for ordinance changes; council members said that same public-process framework would apply to any formal policy changes.
A series of residents asked the borough to provide clear, public language for how its police department handles requests from DHS and to make any limits enforceable in policy or ordinance rather than relying on informal assurances.
