PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Montgomery County officials said there has been a drastic decrease in 911 calls by non-English speakers following increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Efforts are underway to make non-English speakers more comfortable calling for help.
According to an analysis of data from the county’s 911 center, use of the county’s contracted translation service for 911 calls dropped 12.4% overall, and nearly 14% for Spanish-language assistance.
The county said the largest decreases were seen in June, July, November and December.
County officials believe the drop coincides with actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the civilian police force the White House is using to detain immigrants.
In July, more than a dozen ICE agents raided the Super Gigante food market in West Norriton, seizing 14 people to bring to detention centers.
In a statement issued by the county, Commissioner Neil K. Makhija stressed that when residents call 911, they are asked what they need, not where they are from.
The county’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is attempting to reach the 100,000 immigrants living in the county through social media and flyers, encouraging them to call 911 and stressing that seeking emergency services does not lead to deportation.
Earlier this year, the Board of Commissioners prohibited the use of county-owned property and resources for civil immigration enforcement.
The county already banned employees from sharing residents' personal information with immigration agencies without a warrant, and the sheriff, district attorney and police chiefs association have all agreed not to allow police in the county to be deputized by ICE.
KYW Newsradio has reached out to ICE for comment and has not heard back.
Officials say there's been a decrease in calls following increased immigration enforcement
Officials say there's been a decrease in calls following increased immigration enforcement
