The Narberth Police Department on Feb. 10 issued a statement aimed at calming nerves after it received several calls about an armed person who was thought to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
The police department said the calls came in around noon about the person who was located at the corner of Montgomery and Haverford avenues. But when officers located the individual, they confirmed he was a licensed, armed security guard who is employed by a local school and was waiting for a SEPTA bus.
“There was no ICE activity associated with this incident, and there is no concern for public safety,” Narberth police said. “We also became aware of individuals shouting profanities at this person while he waited for a bus. We ask everyone to remain respectful and mindful in our daily interactions.”
The incident comes after Narberth Borough Council voted to bar police in the Main Line town from assisting ICE under the agency’s 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement officers to help federal immigrant authorities — primarily by identifying and processing removable noncitizens who are already in custody. Earlier this year, Narberth Borough Council President Fred Bush handed out whistles to his fellow council members to help them alert community members if ICE agents are spotted.
In nearby Lower Merion Township, the police department on Feb. 4 issued a statement responding to reports that ICE stopped a car and took the driver and passenger into custody in Penn Wynne. The department clarified that it does not participate in the 287(g) program but also noted that it will not interfere with federal law enforcement acting within their legal authority.
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