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Residents ask whether Lambertville police will assist federal immigration enforcement; council to seek Attorney General guidance
Summary
Multiple residents asked detailed questions about whether local police could assist ICE and whether churches or residents could legally provide sanctuary; the mayor said the city will consult the state Attorney General and hold targeted meetings with affected communities.
During public comment a resident read a list of questions about the city police department’s obligations if federal immigration agents request assistance, whether residents may harbor immigrants in their homes, and whether churches could extend sanctuary.
The speaker identified in the transcript as J Master (27 North Union Street) asked if the police would assist ICE if federal agents directed them, whether officers could form physical barriers to protect immigrants from questioning or arrest, and what legal risks residents might face for harboring immigrants. The mayor said she was not prepared to answer fully that evening and offered to obtain formal guidance from the state Attorney General’s office and to meet with members of the Latino community to provide clear, accurate information.
The mayor said the city previously followed the Attorney General’s 2018 guidance and that some of the current questions are legally complicated; staff will follow up with formal written responses and community outreach.
The council did not adopt any policy changes at the meeting; the exchange concluded with a promise to gather authoritative legal guidance before making public statements or new policies.
