BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Mayor J. William Reynolds and Police Chief Michelle L. Kott said they believe a “welcoming ordinance” for the city is unnecessary, as practices to protect immigrants have been in place for years.
Allentown this month passed a welcoming ordinance that codifies the city’s long-term practices of not using its resources to enforce federal immigration laws.
Easton also is considering a measure as federal authorities begin a crackdown on immigration.
Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has announced a flurry of immigration-related executive orders, paving the way for a widespread effort to deport migrants in the country illegally.
“In fact, many of these practices have been in place for years within the City of Bethlehem.”Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds
Bethlehem City Council holds the authority to pass a "welcoming" ordinance.
But Reynolds and Kott on Monday posted a joint statement on the city’s social media urging council not to.
“We acknowledge that while many cities are seeking to respond to the recent threats of deportation by creating a ‘welcoming ordinance,’” Reynolds said.
“The City of Bethlehem already has practices and policies through city hall and its police department which [relate to] the recommendations of such criteria.
“In fact, many of these practices have been in place for years within the City of Bethlehem.”
Several residents called for such legislation during a city council meeting earlier this month.
'Resolution would not strengthen policies'
Over the past month, Bethlehem Police Department and city administration officials have held several conversations and meetings with community members and groups regarding federal immigration policy under the Trump administration, they said.
The police department has fielded questions about how the proposed ordinance would affect its current policies, Kott said.
“The short answer is our current policies are strong in this area,” Kott said. “Any additional language included in a resolution would not meaningfully strengthen any of our current policies.
“Not every police department can say that, but we can and we are proud of that.”
Bethlehem is home to about 78,000 residents, about 30% of whom identify as Latino/Hispanic and 11% are foreign born. A quarter say they speak a language other than English at home.
“The administration believes that whether your family has been here for generations, or whether you have been here for a month, that all are deserving of the opportunity to reside, thrive and contribute to Bethlehem's welcoming community,” Reynolds said.
“In this city, we believe in the power of coalition building and creating a safe and vibrant quality of life for all of our residents.”
'Needed resources and support'
Some of Trump's executive orders were signed with the aim of expanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to arrest and detain unlawful migrants on U.S. soil.
One of the orders reverses a longstanding guideline that prohibited immigration raids in areas deemed "sensitive," such as schools, hospitals and churches.
“We actively work with our community-based organizations, such as our public library, school district, faith communities and other partners to provide our immigrant communities needed resources and support,” Reynolds said.
Another federal order expands a program that lets ICE delegate its immigration enforcement duties to state and local police.
“The Bethlehem Police Department does not participate in the ICE 287(g) program, which allows select state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law,” Kott said.
“As such, our focus is solely on enforcing local and state laws, not immigration enforcement. Any change to the department's participation in this program would require city council's approval."
Police department accreditation
The proposed city law also would prohibit local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status unless required by law, Kott said.
As an agency accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agency, the Bethlehem Police Department has policies and directives to ensure that its officers adhere to strict guidelines regarding the prohibition against any form of bias-based profiling, Kott said.
The U.S. Constitution requires that police officers have reasonable suspicion or probable cause when conducting investigative detentions, traffic stops, arrests, searches and seizures.
“Therefore, our officers would not inquire about an individual's immigration status arbitrarily,” Kott said.
Kott believes the proposed "welcoming" ordinance could provide the community with a false sense of security, as it does not — and cannot — supersede federal law.
“Per the proposed law, law enforcement is still required to cooperate with federal authorities,” Kott said.
“Meaning that regardless of whether or not the proposed law passes, federal authorities are still authorized to come into the city to conduct immigration enforcement.”
