The City Council voted unanimously to approve a “Welcoming City” ordinance.
On Wednesday night, the Allentown City Council unanimously approved a “Welcoming City” ordinance that directs city officials, employees, and law enforcement not to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless required to do so by law.
Hours of testimony led up to the council’s vote. Residents and advocates called for the protection of immigrants in the city, regardless of their legal status.
The ordinance comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s swift actions to curb illegal immigration in the United States. As part of the first 100 days of his administration, Trump is prioritizing mass deportations of people residing in the United States unlawfully.
The Allentown City ordinance, sponsored by members Ce-Ce Gerlach and Natalie Santos, does require police and city employees to share information with ICE if a court order, warrant, or other legally-binding document is produced.
Council Vice President Cynthia Mota is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. With more than 50% of Allentown’s population having Latino heritage and around 20% being born outside of the United States, she says the rumors of ICE raids have sparked fear in the community.
“I don’t have all the answers, I don’t, but I know what it is to live in the shadows. I know that when people come to my office because they want to become U.S. citizens, they are afraid. I mean, I’ve been getting lots and lots of phone calls, and it’s, it’s heartbreaking,” Mota said.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and some council members initially opposed the measure, specifically questioning a requirement that the city comply with standards set by the nonprofit Welcoming America.
The organization certifies cities as “certified welcoming cities”. Cities that earn the certification must meet standards that include facilitating programs that help immigrants learn English and obtain citizenship, and have at least one city staff member whose role is to promote immigrant inclusion and advocacy.
Mayor Tuerk and City Council solicitor Maria Montero said the city could run into lawsuits if complying with the nonprofit’s standards became a legal requirement for Allentown. Tuerk wanted the ordinance to instead come in the form of a resolution because it is within the mayor’s jurisdiction to set employee policies including compliance with federal agencies.
Gerlach altered the ordinance to suggest that the city meet Welcoming America’s standards, rather than legally require them to be met.
About two hours into the meeting, council President Daryl Hendricks moved to limit public comment to one minute rather than the typical three minutes. Some advocates were angered by this change but celebrated the unanimous vote when the ordinance was approved by the council.
Sarina Torres, an organizer with Lehigh Valley Stands Up, said, “I am happy that they were able to compromise and that they’re passing the bill. I think an uncompromising government is not as successful.”
Allentown city already does not collect immigration information and status from members of the public in any official capacity, and does not proactively share information with ICE without a court order. The new ordinance will codify that policy into law.
Police Chief Charles Roca said, “It’s important that we as law enforcement, downtown police maintain a safe environment for all. I’m not concerned with immigration status. I’m concerned with holding people accountable that commit crimes.”
Activists in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania are making a similar push for a welcoming cities ordinance.
