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Residents urge Chester County to bar ICE use of county property, cite Montgomery County resolution
Summary
Several residents asked commissioners to adopt a policy prohibiting ICE from using county property and resources, to require judicial warrants for local assistance, and to refuse 287(g) agreements; speakers cited a recent Montgomery County resolution as a model.
Multiple residents told the Chester County Board of Commissioners on March 11 that they want the county to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using county property or resources for civil immigration enforcement.
"I urge Chester County to adopt a similar policy and prohibit the use of county property and resources for civil immigration enforcement operations," Allison Murray said during the public‑comment period, asking the board to ensure county spaces remain ‘‘safe and accessible to the communities they serve.’’
Other speakers proposed specific measures. Claire Witsleben urged the county to require judicial warrants before school officials or county staff may share student information or otherwise assist federal agents, and asked the county to designate points of contact in schools and to document any ICE activity on school grounds. Joan Waddell asked the board to pass a formal resolution like Montgomery County’s, including a ban on 287(g) agreements and a commitment that county employees will not assist immigration enforcement unless required by a judicial warrant or subpoena.
Julia Fell described fear among immigrants in local Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian communities and asked commissioners to adopt policies that avoid chilling cooperation with law enforcement and public services. Lynn Strauss asked the board to place an ICE‑restriction resolution on a future agenda and additionally raised election administration ideas (earlier drop‑box timing and hours).
Speakers cited the March 5 Montgomery County resolution that prohibits the use of county‑owned property and resources for civil immigration enforcement as a template. No commissioner action or vote occurred on the requests during the meeting; the public‑comment period captures residents’ requests to the board rather than a formal proposal on the table.
Commissioners thanked speakers and moved on to adjournment; the comments will be part of the public record and may be referred to staff for follow‑up.
