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North Wales mayor, council clarify limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
Summary
Mayor Neil McDevitt presented a joint law-enforcement statement and a Borough statement titled "Limits on North Wales Borough Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement Activities." Council members affirmed their oath to uphold the Constitution; the police chief said the department would not interfere with federal enforcement and is unlikely to be notified in advance.
Mayor Neil McDevitt told the Borough Council on Feb. 24 that he had shared a joint statement from Montgomery County law enforcement and the Borough’s own statement titled "Limits on North Wales Borough Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement Activities." The materials outline the Borough’s approach to requests from federal immigration authorities.
President Mark Tarlecki emphasized that each council member has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and said the law applies equally to all residents. He said council remains committed to protecting residents’ rights to peacefully assemble and be heard while also holding accountable anyone who interferes with law enforcement.
Council member Susan Manning asked about the police department’s role in federal immigration actions. Chief of Police David Erenius responded that North Wales officers would not interfere with federal law-enforcement operations and said the department would most likely not be notified in advance when such federal activities occur. Member Anji Fazio reminded council members that personal beliefs are separate from their sworn responsibilities to the Borough.
Tarlecki summarized the discussion by saying council members appeared to be in agreement with the issued statements. The council did not take a separate formal vote on policy language at the Feb. 24 meeting.
Why it matters: Local law-enforcement cooperation policies affect residents’ interactions with federal authorities and can shape trust between immigrant communities and municipal officials. The council’s discussion clarified the Borough’s posture and placed the onus on federal agencies for coordination in enforcement operations.
Next steps: No additional action or ordinance was adopted during the meeting; the statements noted by the mayor serve as the current articulation of the Borough’s approach.
