ICE Policy Resolution Approved In Cheltenham Twp.

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution clarifying its ICE policies.

At its recent meeting, board members heard from residents who spoke out in support of the rights of residents in Montgomery County’s third-largest community.

The resolution prohibits Cheltenham Township Police from assisting in ICE operations unless legally required to do so, and restricts information-sharing with immigration enforcement. It also encourages outreach to immigrant communities through multilingual communication.

In September, Abington Township officials clarified its ICE policies, emphasizing that "immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

"Local police departments are not required to enforce these laws unless they have entered into a formal agreement to do so, and Abington Township has no such agreement," the policy read, which is similar in tone to the resolution passed in Cheltenham Township in relation to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The youngest of those who spoke at the Cheltenham Commissioners meeting was 11-year-old Abram Saavedra, who was surrounded by friends.

"We are grateful that the Township is welcoming to people," he said. "Our Township is a perfect township to stand up for the rights of everyone in our community."

Commissioners President Matthew Areman thanked the kids for attending and speaking, inviting them to witness the swearing-in ceremony of new Police Officer Raymond Gambone.

"I want you to listen to the oath that the police officer has to swear — and I think it echoes a lot of what you said about how our police department protects everyone regardless of where they come from, who they love," Areman said.

Gambone graduated from Temple University Police Academy earlier this month and was sworn in at the meeting by Magisterial District Judge R. Emmett Madden.

(Cheltenham Township)