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The Harrisburg City Council is moving forward with legislation that would restrict the city's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following discussions at a recent work session.
The proposed bill would limit the use of city resources for immigration enforcement and prohibit city officials from detaining individuals solely on the basis of civil non-judicial detainers. The council heard the first reading of the legislation on Tuesday, with further discussions expected to continue next week.
Mayor Wanda Williams has clarified the city's current stance on immigration enforcement. "While ICE has been reported in the City of Harrisburg, neither the Mayor's Office nor the Harrisburg Bureau of Police has been called upon to intervene, provide resources, or take action in connection with any immigration enforcement activity," Williams stated on Wednesday.
The mayor emphasized that Harrisburg is a "welcoming city" but not a "sanctuary city," and that local police operate separately from federal immigration authorities. "ICE operates under federal authority," Williams noted, adding that Harrisburg police will "not interfere with any lawful federal investigation" while focusing city resources on "local public safety responsibilities and the enforcement of local and state law," according to a statement provided to CBS 21.
This immigration policy discussion comes shortly after the resolution of another city government dispute. In a separate matter, the City Council recently voted unanimously to resolve a budget disagreement with Mayor Williams. The agreement addressed funding for three positions and clarified the appointment process for department heads, following a lawsuit that was dismissed earlier this month.
The ICE cooperation bill is expected to receive further consideration at upcoming council meetings as officials weigh the implications for local law enforcement practices and community relations.