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Lackawanna County adopts enforcement policy on federal immigration inquiries after heated public comment
Summary
After hours of public testimony, Lackawanna County commissioners approved a new enforcement policy requiring staff to consult supervisors, the county solicitor and chief of staff before responding to federal immigration requests and emphasizing that the county will not go beyond legal obligations; supporters praised the step, while critics said it does not go far enough.
Lackawanna County’s board of commissioners voted April 15 to adopt a new policy governing how county employees should respond when federal immigration agents request records, access or assistance, following a lengthy public comment period marked by sharply divided views.
The policy, approved in Resolution 26‑0116, directs county staff who receive requests from federal immigration authorities to notify supervisors, consult the county solicitor and coordinate with the chief of staff before taking action. Commissioners framed the measure as clarifying legal obligations and creating a consistent internal process rather than authorizing cooperation beyond what the law requires.
“Where there was previously no framework, this policy provides guidance and a process so employees do not act on their own without legal oversight,” a commissioner said during debate, describing the approach as a step forward while…
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