Mayor outlines borough stance following months of public pressure and community dialogue
Lansdale officials on Wednesday unveiled a long-anticipated statement outlining how local police will handle immigration enforcement, affirming that borough resources will not be used to carry out federal immigration actions.
Mayor Rachael Bollens said the statement followed “a lot of hours and consultation with community members,” along with meetings with the borough solicitor and police leadership.
“We’ve finally have put together a statement on local law enforcement and immigration enforcement in Lansdale Borough,” she said.
In the statement, Bollens emphasized that Lansdale police will focus on public safety, not civil immigration enforcement.
"If you are an immigrant, know that you are welcome here and that you matter here and that we are glad you are a part of Lansdale," Bollens said. "Our commitment to public safety and community trust, the mission of Lansdale Borough Police Department is public safety, not civil immigration enforcement."
Bollens said the Borough and its police 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," she said. "Trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for effective and just policing, and we work every day to strengthen that trust."
Lansdale Police will continue to 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, and notify the Chief of Police or the mayor of any immigration-related situation that comes to the attention of the police department to ensure proper review and accountability.
"What will Lansdale Police not do? We do not enforce federal immigration laws, as that responsibility lies solely with the federal government. We do not inquire about a person’s immigration status during routine police interactions or when they access borough services," Bollens said. "We do not collect or share information such as immigration status, country of origin, or other sensitive personal data, except where required by state and federal law."
The policy states that local officers will not enforce federal immigration laws, will not inquire about immigration status during routine interactions, and will not participate in ICE’s 287(g) program.
“We have not and will not enter into ICE’s 287g program. We have not assisted ICE with immigration enforcement activities in the borough,” Bollens said.
Lansdale Borough will continue to keep local resources focused on working on local issues, she said.
"We will only cooperate with federal immigration authorities when required by a valid judicial court order or as otherwise required by law. We will prioritize any case involving criminal activity to ensure the safety of all community members," Bollens said. "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."
Lansdale will not honor administrative ICE detainer requests or participate in voluntary immigration enforcement programs.
"These practices help build trust and ensure immigrants and non-immigrants alike feel safe calling the police, reporting crimes and seeking help when needed," she said. "No one should fear interacting with local law enforcement."
Bollens said the message to the immigrant community: You are valued and you are welcome.
"And you can count on the Lansdale Borough Police Department to serve and protect you just as we serve and protect every member of our community," she said.
Bollens acknowledged the community-driven nature of the process.
"This is hot off the presses; that’s why it’s on a clipboard," she said, as the statement was still in draft form at the meeting. "That also just signifies kind of the community engagement and collaboration that went into this. It’s not in a fancy folder; this was true community organizing."
Council President Meg Currie Teoh praised the effort.
“It’s well done and I’m proud to have that stand as Lansdale’s position," she said.
Advocates who have pushed for action welcomed the announcement but urged officials to ensure the final policy language is strong.
Jay Lee, advocacy and communication manager for The Woori Center, thanked borough leaders for the statement, calling it “exactly what we need from our local leaders,” while cautioning that the final version must be “clear, protective, free of loopholes.”
Lee said the policy should serve as a model for other municipalities, particularly given Lansdale’s diverse population. :He called out Jenkintown's recent statement of intent as having language that undermined its purpose.
"In a climate of national uncertainty, and divisive rhetoric, the foundation of our safety is the presence of belonging. Lansdale is home to a diverse population, including a significant Asian community that makes up roughly 15% of our Borough, and a growing Latino community of nearly 8%," Lee said, adding a quick walk down Main Street shows Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine, Mexican grocery stores, and Indian delis.
"When we protect one another of us, we protect the stability of our entire local economy and the social fabric," he said. "We’re expecting to see that final written policy."
Borough officials indicated the written policy is still being finalized, with further review expected before any formal adoption.
Following the meeting, Bollens said the statement reflects months of listening through thoughtful, collaborative efforts shaped by many voices in the community.
"I'm incredibly proud of the care that went into it and I am especially grateful to Chief Devlin and our police department for their leadership and continued commitment to serving everyone with fairness and dignity," Bollens said. "Most importantly, I want our immigrant neighbors to know they are valued, welcome, and safe here."
