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A proposal outlining how Lehigh County employees should respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents failed to pass in a split 4-4 vote by the County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday (July 8). The policy aimed to guide employees when approached by immigration officials, requiring them to notify the county solicitor if ICE sought access to non-public areas or confidential information.
The resolution, sponsored by Commissioners Jon Irons and Zach Cole-Borghi, was intended to protect county employees from making legal decisions outside their expertise. It would have applied to departments under the county executive, excluding judicial offices and the Department of Corrections. WFMZ.com reported that the proposal was revised after initial concerns, removing language that required employees to determine the validity of legal documents.
Commissioners Sheila Alvarado, Ron Beitler, Dan Hartzell, and Antonio Pineda voted against the measure, citing concerns about its implications and timing. Beitler expressed discomfort voting on a proposal received less than a day before the meeting. Pineda argued that the policy could be seen as a noncooperation measure, stating, "If a law enforcement officer comes with a warrant, you do what the warrant says to do."
Supporters of the proposal, including Commissioner Sarah Fevig, argued that it would protect employees and ensure compliance with federal law. They emphasized the need for a consistent process across departments. The Morning Call noted that similar measures have been enacted in other cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Despite extensive public comments and debate, the resolution failed to advance. Commissioner Irons stated that the policy aimed to clarify employee roles and maintain trust between the county government and its diverse communities. Following the tie vote, the resolution did not move forward, leaving the county without a formal policy on ICE interactions.