READING, Pa. – On Thursday, the Berks County Commissioners heard two public comments against county practices and cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Craig Schaffer of Cumru Township called upon the commissioners to hold a single-issue public meeting to discuss the county’s collaboration with ICE.

“Lehigh County Commissioners recently held a similar meeting to address their policy and practices,” Schaffer said.

“I want to remind everyone involved that all people are innocent until proven guilty and that referring to the people you have handed over as only criminals is a false statement. The documents the county has released show these people as charged and not convicted. In many cases, they haven’t even seen a judge,” Schaffer added.

“While we have great concerns over ICE policies, actions and enforcement tactics, my comments directly aim at the Berks County Law Enforcement Voluntary Agreement with that agency,” he said.

Jane Palmer of Wyomissing asked the commissioners to expand public access to videos of prison board meetings.

“Increasing numbers of community members are concerned about our policy of handing people who would normally be released from jail directly into the hands of ICE,” Palmer said.

“The public and the press deserve to know more about the prison board than what’s currently available in the minutes,” she added.

The commissioners did not address the comments.

In other business, the commissioners voted to:

Appoint Michael Latini as senior financial analyst in the budget and finance department, effective August 26, with an annual salary of $86,000.

Promote Jennifer Wallis from County Casework Supervisor to Continuous Quality Improvement Manager for Children and Youth Services, effective August 17 at an annual salary of $88,000.

Appoint George Stuck III, President and CEO of Alloy Fabrications, to the Berks County Workforce Development Board to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2027.

Authorize a grant application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Child Advocacy Centers for the District Attorney’s Office for funds to support a portion of the salary for the director of the Children’s Alliance Center.