After ICE Detainments, Lower Merion Police Issue Clarifying Statement

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Lower Merion Police issued a statement regarding ICE operations in the township after authorities confirmed agents took two people into custody on Overbrook Parkway in Penn Wynne last week.

Police acknowledged concerns about local enforcement removal operations and are aiming to clarify the department's role in federal immigration operations locally.

According to police, the department does not participate in Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which allows ICE "to delegate state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight."

Federal authorities say the program "enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal aliens who are amenable to removal from the United States."

"We do not engage in federal immigration enforcement," the statement reads.

Police urged anyone who sees police activity without a marked Lower Merion Police Department unit present to call 911 so officers can verify legitimate law enforcement activity is occurring.

Lower Merion Police will not interfere with federal law enforcement acting within their legal authority and noted that federal authorities are not legally required to notify local authorities of their operations.

"ICE did not inform us of the enforcement action on January 30th," the statement reads. Superintendent Andrew Block made a similar statement to Patch Monday.

"We recognize the passion of our community," the statement continues. "Our officers are here to ensure that every resident may safely exercise their First Amendment rights while we strive to maintain peace throughout our community."

The department concluded their statement by recognizing residents' vigilance and care for neighbors during this time.

"Your commitment to a safe, inclusive Lower Merion helps us perform our jobs more effectively," police said.