Cheltenham Township unveiled a policy relating to immigrant rights in the township during the Board of Commissioners regular meeting on Wednesday, October 22.

The policy states that “No Township official or police officer will honor detainer requests from ICE without a properly executed judicial warrant” and that “No government agencies shall be permitted to utilize Cheltenham Township facilities or properties to stage immigration enforcement operations.”

It continues:

Cheltenham Township and its Police Department value the relationships and trust they have established with the community and will not enter into ICE’s 287(g) program, to empower local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility; Cheltenham Township remains focused on its core mission: serving and protecting all members of the Cheltenham Township community.

“We love that the Township is a safe space to live and we want it to stay that way. We are grateful that the Township is welcoming to people,” Abram Saavedra (pictured), 11, said during the meeting. “Our Township is a perfect township to stand up for the rights of everyone in our community.” 

The policy is below:

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Photos: Cheltenham Township