Dozens of residents gathered at Wednesday’s Lackawanna County Commissioners meeting to voice their opinions on a potential "Protect Our Neighbors" ordinance, an issue that has sparked intense local debate. Despite rumors circulating online that a vote would take place, county officials clarified that the measure is currently under legal review and was not on the agenda for a formal proposal. The draft ordinance, introduced by Commissioner Bill Gaughan, seeks to establish clear boundaries for county employees regarding federal immigration enforcement, such as prohibiting the use of county resources for civil immigration raids and requiring a judicial warrant for detentions.
During the public comment session, supporters argued that the policy is necessary to protect civil liberties and ensure that all residents feel safe accessing county services without fear of racial profiling. Conversely, critics expressed concerns that the measure would hinder federal law enforcement and essentially turn Lackawanna into a "sanctuary" county. Commissioner Gaughan defended the draft, stating it is a matter of local policy and taxpayer responsibility rather than a rewrite of federal law. While no action was taken Wednesday, Commissioner Thom Welby noted that the board is taking the matter seriously and expects to have a clearer update by their next scheduled meeting on March 4.
