ICE Requests Will Not Be Honored In Norristown Without A Warrant

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown has announced it will only comply with immigrations and customs enforcement (ICE) requests from the federal government to the extent that it is required by law.

The statements come as President Trump's administration has begun a nationwide crackdown on immigration and an increase in deportations.

"The Municipality will not honor ICE detainer requests unless accompanied by a validly executed judicial warrant," a memorandum issued by Norristown on Jan. 29 stated. " Municipal departments, including police, fire, and code enforcement, are discouraged from collecting or sharing information about an individual's immigration status unless required by law or necessary for a specific criminal investigation."

Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner noted the importance of sharing municipal policies in light of the diverse community of Norristown.

Norristown is actually not a sanctuary city, which refers to municipalities whose laws expressly protect undocumented individuals from deportation or prosecution. However, the municipality does not collect information on the legal status of residents.

Lightner will work will each of Norristown's municipal department directors and managers, including police, fire, and code enforcement, so that all branches of local government follow municipal guidance on the issue.

Norristown said they will also conduct educational outreach throughout the municipality to inform local residents on their rights.

To read the full memorandum issued by the municipality, see here.