Franklin Township Council adopts resolution restricting federal civil immigration enforcement use of township property

Franklin Township Council on Feb. 24 adopted Resolution 26-112, which directs township departments not to permit federal civil immigration officers to use non-public township property to facilitate civil immigration enforcement, except when authorized by a judicial warrant or order.

“Except as authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial order… township departments and agencies shall not permit or consent to federal immigration officers entering, accessing, or using non-public areas of township property for the purposes of facilitating federal enforcement of civil immigration laws,” Mayor Kramer read while discussing the resolution’s language as introduced to the council.

Council members said the resolution parallels state guidance and the governor’s executive order and is intended to preserve public spaces while not obstructing lawful criminal investigations. Several members suggested minor drafting edits to clarify formatting and executive authority language before the vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from the attending council members; the resolution passed on a recorded voice vote.

The resolution also clarifies that nothing in the measure limits cooperation with valid judicial warrants or prevents township assistance in state criminal investigations. Council members urged the public that the policy is intended to be neutral and transparent and to contact the township with questions about implementation.