Dauphin News

Senators Ryan Aument, Scott Martin, and Chris Gebhard have expressed strong criticism towards the Lancaster City Council for their recent decision to terminate cooperation with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) except in specific circumstances. The senators believe that this decision compromises the safety of Lancaster County residents.

In a joint statement, the senators voiced their concerns, stating, "We are extremely alarmed at the Lancaster City Council’s decision to not cooperate with a federal law enforcement agency. Make no mistake, they are breaking the law and compromising the safety of Lancaster County residents."

The senators highlighted a recent tragic incident involving an innocent 22-year-old student in Georgia, who was murdered by a violent illegal immigrant. They emphasized the importance of maintaining strong immigration policies to prevent such tragedies, criticizing the council's decision as contributing to lax immigration enforcement.

Furthermore, the senators pointed out the potential risks associated with weak border security, including human trafficking. They referenced warnings from the vice president of the National Border Patrol Council union about the growing threat of human trafficking due to increased illegal immigration.

The senators also emphasized the impact of the council's decision on efforts to combat human trafficking locally, noting the work of organizations like ZOE International and North Star Initiative in Lancaster County.

In light of these concerns, the senators urged the council to reconsider their decision and prioritize the safety and well-being of Lancaster County residents. They called for a focus on upholding the law and addressing the challenges posed by undocumented immigration in the community.

The Lancaster City Council's decision has raised significant alarm among local officials, with the senators urging a reversal of the policy to address the safety concerns of residents in the region.