SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Dozens of residents packed Wednesday’s meeting in Lackawanna County amid confusion over a proposed ordinance that would limit the county’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. While commissioners say the measure is still under legal review and was not up for a vote, the debate drew emotional testimony on both sides.

Rumors circulating online claimed a so-called “Protect Our Neighbors” ordinance would be considered Wednesday. County officials clarified beforehand that the proposal is still being reviewed by the law department and is not up for proposal at this time.

Still, dozens showed up to weigh in.

Commissioner Bill Gaughan, who introduced a draft version of the ordinance earlier this month, says the measure would not change federal immigration law.

“It does not change immigration law. It’s a local policy about county cooperation and civil liberties. It’s not a rewrite of federal law,” Gaughan said.

He added the county cannot remove ICE from the region.

“The county cannot kick ICE out and that’s not what this legislation is calling for. It simply says county employees won’t do ICE’s job for them without proper legal authority. God forbid we ask for a warrant and make sure that it’s legal. It does not protect people who have criminal warrants.”

Among the speakers was Sarah Balmer of Covington Township, who told commissioners she and her husband adopted their daughter, Lily Mei Balmer, from China in 2009. Balmer said they were lifelong Republicans who recently grew uncomfortable with ICE’s tactics.

She described a November 29th incident where she and her daughter, now a senior at Scranton Preparatory School, witnessed what she called “armed men in tactical vests” approaching a home.

Balmer says they first had their daughter keep photos of her passport and certificate of citizenship on her phone, but after hearing reports of phones being seized, she now carries her physical passport.

“We live in the United States of America. We are a nation of immigrants. My daughter is a beautiful, intelligent, kind and gentle human being. She’s a senior in high school. She is the absolute light and joy in our life. She belongs here,” Balmer said.

Supporters argued the county should not use local resources to assist federal immigration enforcement.

“The 10th amendment also states that they can’t commandeer our local resources to their job. That’s a fact, right? That doesn’t mean that my tax dollars for Lackawanna County need to be used to do your bidding. It’s just not the way that it operates. I’m paying enough in federal taxes to have these guys going around in masks,” said Dunmore resident Breeda Cronin Holmes.

But others strongly opposed the ordinance.

“These ICE people are not going after immigrants. They’re going after very ugly people. rapists that could break into your house and rape your child. Yeah they are!” said Peckville resident Len Dobrzyn.

Commissioner Thom Welby stressed no decision has been made.

“It is currently being studied by our law department We aren’t going to make that decision until we have the information that we need to make a fair and educated decision,” Welby said. He added that if ICE belongs anywhere, he believes it’s at the southern border, not in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Chris Chermak emphasized immigration enforcement is ultimately a federal responsibility.

“These are some of the issues we can tackle head on. Immigration policy is definitely a federal matter,” Chermak said. “Our solicitors are looking into how to handle potential situations without overstepping into areas beyond our legal control.”

The proposal remains under review, with no timeline for when, or if, it could return to the agenda.