The Abington Township Police Department announced today that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials were in the area targeting “a specific individual” who is reportedly “out on bail for a sex-related offense.”

“We are sharing this information to help calm concerns about a larger operation or broader enforcement activity,” the department’s post said.

MontCo Community Watch, a grassroots organization that tracks local ICE activity, posted on Facebook that there was “Confirmed ICE on Easton Rd in Abington around 7:30am. No detentions suspected and all agents have left the scene.”

Senator Art Haywood posted the following:

ICE agents have been seen in Abington on Easton Road near Jenkintown Road this morning, February 27. No arrests have been reported. Thank you to MontCo Community Watch and concerned neighbors who were on the scene.

Photos courtesy of Senator Haywood

Earlier this month, Abington police Chief Patrick Molloy and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele released a joint statement clarifying the county’s role in Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations (ICE) operations.

The statement says that Montgomery County law enforcement does not enforce civil immigration orders and that no Montgomery County police departments have signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE.

“The Montgomery County Detective Bureau and police departments in Montgomery County do not enforce civil immigration orders; enforceable warrants must be signed by a judge,” the statement says.

Chief Molloy previously confirmed with Glenside Local that an ICE arrest of an Abington resident took place on November 24 following reports from MontCo Community Watch.

Chief Molloy noted that if residents want official responses to inquiries or requests regarding ICE activity in the area, they can reach out to Philadelphia.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov.

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