Immigration-related issues are again taking center stage in State College, where borough leaders are expected to revisit a proposal aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Borough Council is expected to take up the matter in two weeks after tabling an earlier effort this year.
The proposal is specifically aimed at a formal prohibition of borough cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The issue has drawn repeated public comment at recent State College Borough Council meetings, including during Immigrant Heritage Month.
One speaker told council, “June is Immigrant Heritage month in which we celebrate immigrants and their contributions to our communities.” Another said, “ICE has shown to be lawless in its current form. It has detained American citizens.”
Borough Council’s next scheduled meeting is July 6.
At last week’s meeting, Council President Evan Myers said council “will be receiving information about adopting an ordinance protecting immigrants in our community” at the July 6 meeting.
State College’s mayor said the proposal continues to draw significant attention and concern in the community, particularly among people who fear being targeted. “Honestly, people who are of secure immigration status are afraid, People who just happen to be from a foreign nationality, or grew up somewhere else, or are now even citizens are worried about being targeted.”
The previous attempt to advance the resolution was tabled after some council members raised concerns it could do more harm than good by bringing unwanted attention to the immigrant population.