Jenkintown officials released a statement today regarding local law enforcement and immigration in the borough.

The statement comes as a response to pushback from immigrant rights advocates and community members regarding a policy approved by council on September 29 which outlines the Jenkintown Police Department’s stance on illegal immigration.

Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, a member of Indivisible Greater Jenkintown and Montco Community Watch, was among those who spoke out about the policy.

“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 in November. 

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

“We had people that came with their concerns and we want to communicate what we’re obligated to do. We wanted to make sure that we’re clear in our messaging,” Jenkintown Police Chief Scott told Glenside Local. “I understand people’s points of view. They’re upset. The reality is that there are more things in play for any law enforcement agency. We have to abide by the law, as well as any situations that may arise.”

Chief Scott provided an example of a situation that would mandate cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

“Imagine if we arrest someone who we learn is involved in human trafficking in some way. Wouldn’t you want us to contact the Department of Homeland Security?” Chief Scott said. “We want to be sure that predators are held accountable and taken off the street. We have to do our due diligence as officers of the law.”

The statement below will be presented during borough council’s meeting on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, Chief Scott said.

The borough’s revised policy on immigration enforcement can be found below:

The borough’s statement in full:

Jenkintown Borough is proud to be a welcoming, inclusive community. We value everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our Borough. Immigrants are an essential part of Jenkintown’s fabric—contributing to our neighborhood, our school, our businesses, and the vibrancy that makes our community special. If you are an immigrant, know that you are welcome here, that you matter here, and that we are glad you are part of Jenkintown.

Our Commitment to Public Safety and Community Trust

The mission of the Jenkintown Borough Police Department is public safety—not civil immigration enforcement. We are committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of every person, regardless of immigration status. By separating local policing from immigration enforcement, we build trust, ensure fairness, and make clear that fear should never prevent someone from calling the police for help. Trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for effective and just policing, and we work every day to strengthen that trust.

What Jenkintown Police Do

• Provide the same level of service, protection, and respect to all residents, visitors, victims, and
• witnesses—regardless of immigration status.
• Enforce local and state laws that safeguard public safety and community welfare.
• Encourage all individuals to report crimes, seek help, and cooperate with police without fear.
• Follow all laws governing privacy and the sharing of personal information.
• Notify the Chief of Police and the Mayor of any immigration-related situation that comes to the attention of the
• Police Department to ensure proper review and accountability.

What Jenkintown Police Do Not Do

• Do not enforce federal immigration laws; that responsibility lies solely with the federal government.
• Do not inquire about a person’s immigration status during routine police interactions or when they access any Borough services.
• Do not collect or share information such as immigration status, country of origin, or other sensitive personal data
• except where required by state or federal law.
• Have not entered—and will not enter—into ICE’s 287(g) program.
• Have not assisted ICE with immigration enforcement activities in the Borough.

How We Handle Requests from Federal Immigration Authorities

Jenkintown Borough will continue to keep our local resources focused and working on local issues.

• We will only cooperate with federal immigration authorities when required by a valid judicial court order or as otherwise required by law.
• Should ICE request assistance, the request will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Mayor, and the
• Borough will act only in accordance with legal requirements.
• We do not honor administrative ICE detainer requests or participate in voluntary immigration enforcement programs.

These practices help build trust and ensure that immigrants and non-immigrants alike feel safe calling the police, reporting crimes, and seeking help when needed. No one should fear interacting with local law enforcement.

If you have questions about Jenkintown Borough’s policies or your rights, please contact Mayor Lerman (glerman@jenkintownboro.com) or Chief Scott (tscott@jenkintownpd.org).

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