According to the Center for Immigration Studies, there are 13 counties in Pennsylvania considered sanctuary jurisdictions. Northampton County is one of them and that has Lehigh Township supervisors concerned.

A sanctuary designation protects undocumented immigrants by not prosecuting them for violating federal immigration laws. Sanctuary jurisdictions also refuse to hold people in custody based solely on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer, however some officials in counties that are considered sanctuary counties said that the designation is inaccurate.

They said that they fully cooperate with all state and federal laws regarding immigration enforcement.

Lehigh Township Supervisor Cindy Miller had concerns about Northampton County being a sanctuary county.

“What do Lehigh Township (police) officers do if they had a traffic stop or warrant for an immigrant,” Miller asked.

The new executive order does not change what cities or counties have done or will do, but the municipalities cannot stop ICE.

Sgt. Philip Mirabile, who was on duty, and off duty Officer John Roth explained what is involved when Lehigh Township officers encounter immigrants.

Mirabile said, “We transport them to Lehigh County detention. Dispatch makes arrangements with ICE. We are out of the area from one to two hours, just like if it was a DUI.”

Miller said, “I think we will be questioned, because we are a sanctuary.”

Other business

Alice Rehrig, manager of Lehigh Township, reported the power, which needs to be a three phase, is still in progress for the water tanks to the new maintenance building.

Rehrig has started to have the new phone system installed that was put in the budget for 2025. She is also looking into grants for generators from Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Rehrig also is looking into quotes for insurance policies; its coverage runs out May 3.

Rehrig reported that $375,208.64 was collected from residents for the Fire Tax for 2024.

Lehigh Township is having its zoning ordinance updated. Urban Research and Development Corp. has started the process, but due to health issues, Pennoni Engineering will be completing the update.

The supervisors approved to keep the salary of the tax collector at $42,000 a year.

Michael Hock, resident of Lehigh Township, came to the meeting to ask to be put a presentation on open space preservation on the agenda for the Feb. 25 meeting. The supervisors agreed to hear the information.