EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council approved a resolution supporting and protecting immigrant communities Wednesday night at city hall.
The resolution, introduced by Councilman Roger Ruggles, “endorses and affirms” eight statements. Those statements include that the federal government should recognize and support the vast contributions of undocumented and documented immigrants to the United States, and that the city of Easton “affirms its support for federal and state efforts to expand safe, orderly, and lawful pathways to immigration and citizenship that strengthen the workforce and bolster economic growth.”
Further, the resolution indicates the city “supports employment-based immigration reforms that create or expand visa opportunities in industries with chronic labor shortages.” These industries include agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, construction, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, and technology.
Easton also encourages collaboration with nonprofit organizations, employers, educational institutions, and governmental partners to provides legal immigration assistance, workforce development support, English-language learning, and citizenship preparations services for eligible residents. The city also maintains through the resolution that they recognize the “contributions of immigrants to our local and national economy and supports comprehensive immigration policies ensuring newcomers can participate fully, safely, and lawfully in community life.”
The city will also send the document to neighboring municipal governments, regional partners, and state and federal elected officials. This includes President Trump, U. S. Sen. John Fetterman, and U.S. Sen. David McCormick, along with U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.
The approval concluded a lengthy discussion. Discussions had included designating Easton as a “Welcoming City.”
The legislation, offered by Councilwoman Taiba Sultana, prevented city police and other agencies from participating in civil immigration enforcement or assisting federal authorities in such efforts. The welcoming city designation also stipulated the city would assist all immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
Some highlights included prohibiting providing information to any federal immigration enforcement agencies, investigating or interrogation, establishing traffic perimeters, or being present to assist or support an immigration enforcement operation. No investigations into someone’s citizenship or immigration status for the purpose of immigration enforcement will be permitted.
The ordinance did not proclaim Easton as a “sanctuary city,” which meant it will comply with federal requirements to cooperate with federal immigration agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The city must comply with federal and state laws and court orders, and would have honored warrants signed by a federal judge had the legislation been approved.
At the legislative body’s Aug. 13 meeting, Mayor Salvatore Panto made a motion to remove the bill from the evening’s agenda.
“We are a welcoming city…and I think our record shows that,” Panto said. “To put this on the agenda brings attention to the city of Easton that I don’t think we need.”
Sultana said “we ensure our commitment to other marginalized communities. It’s important to ensure our commitment for immigrant community.”
During a public comment session Wednesday night, some speakers said the resolution supporting and protecting immigrant communities was in their estimation was insufficient.
2026 Budget
City council adopted the Panto administration’s 2026 spending plan. The vote was unanimous.
The $70.9 million spending plan holds the line on taxes for the 19th consecutive year. Directly related to new development in the city, revenues increased by 4.9% or an additional $457,000 in real estate revenue. Also tied to the new development is earned income tax which is projected to increase by 7.9% or another $150,000.