Lackawanna County commissioners are expected to vote today on a new administrative policy designed to regulate how county employees interact with federal immigration agents. The proposal serves as an alternative to the "Protect Our Neighbors Act," a more robust ordinance championed by Commissioner Bill Gaughan that has faced significant debate in recent months. While the new policy aims to establish uniform guidelines for interactions within county facilities, it explicitly states that it does not create a "sanctuary" status or exceed the commissioners' legal authority under federal and state law.
Commissioner Thom Welby, who supports the administrative approach, noted that the policy achieves several of the same objectives as Gaughan’s proposed ordinance. Specifically, the guidelines would require county employees to consult with their superiors and the county solicitor before cooperating with or providing information to immigration officials. Proponents argue this ensures all interactions are coordinated and legally sound, while critics of the more formal ordinance have expressed concerns that a legislative act could jeopardize federal funding or violate existing statutes.
