West Whiteland Township is issuing this statement to clarify recent public discussion stemming from a headline published by Daily Local News titled “West Whiteland says ‘No’ to ICE.”
The Township wishes to clarify that this headline does not fully reflect the scope or intent of the resolution adopted by the Township’s governing body.
On January 28, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of West Whiteland Township passed a resolution formally establishing policy regarding the role of the West Whiteland Township Police Department in matters of federal civil immigration enforcement.
What the Resolution Does
The resolution:
- Prohibits the Township from entering into agreements, including participation in the federal 287(g) program, that would authorize local police officers to enforce federal civil immigration law on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Prohibits the use of Township resources — including personnel, time, and funding — to assist with civil immigration enforcement activities.
- Clarifies that immigration status alone is treated as a civil matter, not a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law.
- Affirms the Township’s commitment to focusing local law enforcement resources on public safety priorities, including the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
What the Resolution Does Not Do
The resolution does not:
- Prevent federal agencies from conducting lawful operations within the Township.
- Prohibit cooperation with federal authorities in criminal investigations.
- Interfere with the enforcement of criminal laws at the local, state, or federal level.
West Whiteland Township remains committed to complying with all applicable federal and state laws. The policy simply clarifies that Township police officers will not serve as federal immigration agents for purposes of civil enforcement.
Commitment to Public Safety
The Township’s policy is intended to ensure that local law enforcement resources remain focused on core public safety responsibilities and that all residents feel safe reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, and engaging with law enforcement regardless of immigration status.
West Whiteland Township values accurate reporting and appreciates the opportunity to clarify the intent and scope of its adopted resolution. Residents are encouraged to review the full text of the resolution for complete details.
If you have questions, please email administration@westwhiteland.org.