ICE has agreed to again communicate with Upper Darby police when its agents are operating in the township.
Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown announced at the Wednesday night council meeting that Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt has met with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In early February, Brown reported ICE had let the administration know it would no longer communicate about its activities in the community. The move came after much talk at council meetings against the agents’ activities, and often centered on the recent death of a township resident in the agency’s custody.
Brown said the meeting went well and they were able to discuss mutual concerns and how to move forward. The superintendent believes that the outcomes will be beneficial for the township and residents.
ICE will tell police when agents are in the township, including their location and whether anyone has been taken into custody.
The mayor said the agency will also confirm the identity of those taken into custody.
“We feel that that’s important,” Brown said.
It was also agreed that if Upper Darby police encounter ICE agents on the street or if they are called to a situation involving them, the agents will identify themselves so Upper Darby police has a record.
Bernhardt agreed not to share ICE’s contact information due to safety concern for the agents.
Both Brown and Bernhardt said the arrangement is great for the township.
Brown said the police department will maintain an Excel spreadsheet documenting all dates and times when they are notified of ICE presence in the township.