Resolution #1416-2026
Official Policy That Borough Law Enforcement Officers and Resources Shall Not be Engaged in The Enforcement of Non-Criminal Federal Immigration Law
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, Borough Council adopted Resolution #1416-2026 regarding the Borough's policy with regards to federal immigration enforcement.
What the Resolution Does:
- Prohibits the Borough 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 Borough 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 Borough's commitment to focusing local law enforcement resources on local public safety priorities, including the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
What the Resolution Does Not Do:
- Prevent federal agents from conducting lawful operations within the Borough.
- Prohibit cooperation with federal authorities in criminal investigations.
- Interfere with the enforcement of criminal law at the local, state or federal level.
The Resolution affirms that Borough police officers will not serve as federal immigration agents for purposes of civil enforcement. It reflects what has always been policy and practice in the Borough and is consistent with Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (PLEAC) requirements. Oxford Borough remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every resident. The resolution is intended to help ensure that local law enforcement resources, and Borough resources generally, remain focused on core public safety and service requirements. We want and need all residents to feel safe reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, and engaging with local law enforcement regardless of immigration status.