Montgomery County is home to nearly 100,000 immigrants — our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, and family. These community members are an essential part of our county’s fabric. And yet, they are increasingly under threat from federal law enforcement agencies that are violating constitutional protections, bypassing due process, and targeting people for detention and deportation based on their perceived immigration status.

We have every reason to believe this escalation will continue. ICE and other federal agencies are operating with impunity, committing civil rights abuses across Pennsylvania and the country. We must now ask: will our local municipalities uphold the rights and safety of the people they serve — or will they stand by, or even assist, as federal agencies break the law and tear families apart?

We recognize that many municipalities are afraid to act. Some fear retaliation from the federal government. Others fear backlash from right-wing constituents. But fear cannot guide policy. The threat is already here — and waiting will not make it safer. If our local leaders delay action, they may soon find they’ve waited too long.

That’s why this call is not for isolated action. This is a unified appeal. We are calling on all 62 municipalities in Montgomery County to act together — to move with collective strength and shared purpose. There is power in numbers. And there is protection in unity.

Each local government has the power to protect its residents. Local police departments and township employees are not required to go beyond the law to assist ICE — and they should not. Welcoming policies provide a clear legal framework to prevent unnecessary cooperation with immigration enforcement while remaining in full compliance with the law.

The tools to take action are already available. Residents across the county can learn how to contact their local officials, attend meetings, and demand policy change using the Welcoming Townships Campaign Kit. This guide includes sample/existing policies, scripts, contact info, and step-by-step instructions for pushing your municipality to adopt Welcoming Policies now. 

If you would like to help get a policy passed in your township or borough complete the Welcoming62 Survey Form

We, the undersigned residents and organizations of Montgomery County, call on every township and borough to:

Commit to not assisting ICE beyond what is legally required

Enact Welcoming Policies that affirm the rights of all residents regardless of status

Uphold due process, constitutional protections, and human dignity in their law enforcement practices; and join together, publicly and collectively, to make Montgomery County a national model of justice, safety, and resistance to unlawful federal overreach.

The time to act is now. The threat is real. Our communities are watching.