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Resident questions police regionalization and whether local officers would enforce ICE
Summary
A Kingston resident asked whether a proposed police regionalization would involve local officers in ICE enforcement. Administrator Sondra Riviello said the plan is still under a DCED study and that she believes local police cannot legally interfere with federal agents; no decision has been made.
During public comment at the Nov. 5 Town Council meeting, resident Kim Krupsha asked whether a regionalization study involving Kingston and neighboring Forty Fort could result in local officers carrying out enforcement for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Krupsha said that when she raised the issue previously the police chief told her he did not want the department to become involved with ICE activities. "When I voiced my concern a few months back, the police chief said he did not want the department to become involved with ICE activities," Krupsha said.
Administrator Sondra Riviello replied that the regionalization effort remains at the study stage with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and its outside consultant, a retired police chief. She said the study will include recommendations and that Kingston will then decide whether to participate.
Riviello added her belief—stated in the meeting—that "it would be illegal for the police to interfere with federal agents; that Kingston Police Department cannot interfere or intervene in any way." She directed further questions to Chief Kotchik, who was not present at the meeting.
No formal action was taken on police regionalization at the Nov. 5 meeting; Council received the public comment and the administration said it will relay resident concerns to the police chief and to officials conducting the study.
