BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday in opposition of the city police department’s involvement in a regional human trafficking task force.
Dissent revolved around one key point: the involvement of Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
- Bethlehem City Council rejected police involvement in a regional human trafficking task force
- Some members were concerned about potential impacts on community relations
- Others felt the pros outweighed the cons, offering protection for citizens and supporting police
“I truly believe that Northampton County, that Homeland Security wants us to partner with them. So I can foresee them asking again in the future, there being that opportunity.”Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott
Before the vote, council President Michael Colón, a supporter of the proposal, asked Police Chief Michelle Kott if the the department would be able to join at a later time if council rejected it now.
“I truly believe that Northampton County, that Homeland Security wants us to partner with them,” Kott answered. “So I can foresee them asking again in the future, there being that opportunity.”
Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek said the department has already seen success over the last several years in fighting these types of crimes, and she didn’t see the need to bring an ICE-associated entity into the mix.
“It’s possible that, in some way, these streams could cross; that’s a concern of mine,” Kwiatek said. “But what I really worry about is the chilling effect it would have in our communities of color.”
Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith said she has witnessed a number of troubled children dealing with the discussed issues in her work as a school counselor. She added she has consulted with the district attorney, and his clarifications on the task force made her feel “very reassured.”
“I feel it’s vitally important that we have to protect these vulnerable and exploited women and children in our community. And I think this just adds another layer of how we can protect them in the most efficient manner possible.”Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith
“I feel it’s vitally important that we have to protect these vulnerable and exploited women and children in our community,” Smith said. “And I think this just adds another layer of how we can protect them in the most efficient manner possible.”
District Attorney Terry Houck approached the city about joining last year. The partnership would involve a city detective teaming up with the district attorney's office and Homeland Security Investigations on the task force.
Kott supports the Bethlehem Police Department's involvement.
City officials need to prioritize undocumented residents and their relationship with government entities like the police department, said Councilwoman Paige Van Wirt.
“What’s on paper is a very broad access to Bethlehem from ICE,” Van Wirt said. “And while I trust our police department to block things, I don’t trust necessarily that ICE is going to do it.
“ … I fear the harm that this will do to our undocumented people is going to be far greater than the narrow focus — although very important that this is about — and I just feel the jeopardy of abuse is greater than the certainty of benefit.”
Council members Rachel Leon and Kiera Wilhelm dissented, while Wandalyn Enix approved the motion.
