Montco Communities Urged To Adopt 'Welcoming Policies' Amid ICE Raids

NORRISTOWN, PA — As the immigration crackdown continues across the United States and in the wake of bloodshed in Minnesota, activists are urging the 62 municipalities in heavily blue Montgomery County to formalize their opposition to ICE.

The group Community for Change Montgomery County had launched a new initiative, Welcome 62, calling for "welcoming policies" toward immigrants from local governments.

"We have every reason to believe this escalation will continue," the group shared. "ICE and other federal agencies are operating with impunity, committing civil rights abuses across Pennsylvania and the country. We must now ask: will our local municipalities uphold the rights and safety of the people they serve, or will they stand by, or even assist, as federal agencies break the law and tear families apart?"

Montgomery County has a population of roughly 100,000 recent immigrants. While scattered similar resolutions like welcoming policies do exist, activists envision coordination between all the county's municipalities to create more safety.

"Each local government has the power to protect its residents," they added. "Local police departments and township employees are not required to go beyond the law to assist ICE, and they should not. Welcoming policies provide a clear legal framework to prevent unnecessary cooperation with immigration enforcement while remaining in full compliance with the law."

On paper, policies codify opposition to ICE and prevent local officials or local facilities from being used in ICE efforts. Less tangibly, they also serve as a statement of unification and organization.

Norristown, Ambler, Upper Moreland, West Norriton, Springfield, and Abington have all already adopted some form of the policy.

"We recognize that many municipalities are afraid to act," the group adds. "Some fear retaliation from the federal government. Others fear backlash from right-wing constituents. But fear cannot guide policy. The threat is already here, and waiting will not make it safer."

A petition to the county's 62 municipalities had around 600 signatures as of Tuesday morning. See the appeal here.