Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, a member of Indivisible Greater Jenkintown and Montco Community Watch, called on local governments to pass policies limiting police collaboration with ICE during a news conference at a West Norriton church, WHYY reported.
In September, Jenkintown Borough Council approved a policy outlining the Jenkintown Police Department’s stance on illegal immigration (you can read the full policy here). In November, immigrant rights advocates and community members began pushing back on the new measure, Wechterman among them.
“Jenkintown needs a new policy that protects the community, not one that hands our neighbors over to ICE,” Wechterman, the former CEO of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association in Wyncote (Cheltenham Township), told WHYY. “And this is a lesson for every community in the county. Read your policies, know what’s being done in your name and make sure they reflect your values. Silence and assumptions are dangerous. We have to stay vigilant. We have to stay organized, and we have to insist that our local government uphold the values we claim to stand for.”
Jenkintown Police Chief Thomas Scott and mayor Gabriel Lerman previously told WHYY that they are working to revise the policy, though no timeline is available.
According to the story, Montco Community Watch organizers have documented 97 confirmed detentions and 31 suspected detentions by ICE agents in the county, including a recent detainment in Abington Township. In mid-November, residents pressed the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to adopt a welcoming policy of their own.
Cheltenham Township issued a “welcome policy” in late October. In September, Abington Township officials released a statement clarifying their position on immigration enforcement. Wechterman said organizers are aware of six townships and boroughs (Ambler, Springfield, West Norriton, and Norristown are the other four) in the county that have passed “welcoming” policies or released public statements on the matter, and that none of those measures are enough.
A “complete” policy, according to Wechterman and Montco Community Watch:
- Limits collaboration, communication and data sharing by local authorities with ICE and other federal agencies, absent a judicial warrant or a requirement by law
- Prevents contracts with ICE, such as the 287(g) program
- Prevents the leasing of municipal facilities for ICE detention, processing or training
- Prevents local officials and officers from asking about immigration or citizenship status unless required by law
- Establishes accountability and consequences if those policies are not followed
Montgomery County has not passed a formal ordinance or resolution declaring itself a welcoming county. According to a recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, “the county’s Democratic commissioners have cited limits to their power, concern about creating a false sense of security, and a preference for internal policy changes.”
According to Indivisible Greater Jenkintown’s website, local protests have been scheduled on the third Saturday of each month through March. A protest called “Abington Raise Your Voice” will be held on Saturday, December 20 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at 1475 Old York Road in Abington.
From their website:
Indivisible Greater Jenkintown is one of thousands of Indivisible groups across the country taking non-violent action to build grassroots power and fight for a truly inclusive democracy. Indivisible Greater Jenkintown is nonprofit and completely volunteer-driven.
Together we must shine a light on the dangers of political extremism by holding elected officials accountable, and continue building a pro-democracy coalition to advance policies that are both right and popular. Getting it done depends on all of us.
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