Narberth warns residents about ICE activity, approves more security cameras
At its Feb. 5 work session, the Narberth Borough Council discussed a resolution limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Council President Fred Bush said the Police Advisory Council discussed it.
“Anyone with a conscience is shocked about the actions that came out of Minneapolis,” said Bush. “Our police department works to protect our residents and does not have a role in immigration enforcement.
“The question still stands for residents: what can you do? What should you do? Look to your individual conscience…It’s very clear any kind of action around ICE is dangerous. They are not respecting the constitutional rights of protestors. You’d be putting yourself in a dangerous situation…Proceed with caution. It’s very clear they’re in the area.”
“We suggest calling 911 if you see ICE outside their vehicles,” said Bush. “That call will go to our local police. Our police cars are clearly marked. They wear uniforms and badges. They don’t wear masks. I encourage you to call 911.” Local police will respond.
He added, “Stay a distance from ICE and take cellphone videos. It allows us to push back on administration lies and make sure ICE is held accountable.”
“Obey instructions that are given you by ICE and our local police,” he said. ICE agents do have the right to stop and interrogate people, he said.
“We will do our best to alert community members if there is a dangerous situation,” Bush said. “We will alert people.”
Narberth posted a message on its website about ICE, as well.
Bush and Mayor Dana Edwards signed a resolution to not permit borough police to participate in 287(g), a program where police officers cooperate with ICE.
Hoping to stave off vandals or catch the culprits, the Narberth Borough Council on Thursday approved some new security cameras.
The borough will pay Video Technologies $8,264 for cameras, storage devices, and related items for Borough Hall and the Borough Hall basketball court.
Maggie Dobbs, borough manager, explained that the new cameras will work with the township’s existing security cameras; however, the entire system will likely become obsolete in about five years.
There will be two cameras inside the Borough Hall entrances and others on the exterior of the field houses facing the bathroom, but not angled into the bathroom.
“We have had some vandals in the past,” said Dobbs. With the cameras, township officials and police will be able to observe the perpetrators.
The council also approved spending $7,000 toward parts to repair the large clock outside the borough building.
Public Works director Jeff Eldon said the clock should be working again in the early spring. Then his staff members will put a fresh coat of paint on it.
“It’s been in (place) for 20 plus years,” he said. “It’s served well.” With the new updates, the clock will be electronic, and it will be easier to change the time.
Also, at the Feb. 17 business meeting, the council voted for a resolution praising Eldon and the public works staff for their work to dig the borough out and keep the streets safe during and after the major snowstorm on Jan. 25.
