With a warning to local law enforcement early June 11, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 17 illegal immigrants in Southside Bethlehem. The workers were rebuilding the fire-damaged Five-10 Flats luxury apartment building on Third Street. The building is currently unoccupied.

According to a Department of Homeland Security/ICE press release June 20, those arrested included 13 citizens of Venezuela, two citizens of Mexico, one citizen of Ecuador and one citizen of Nicaragua.

Mayor William Reynolds has said ICE offered the city no additional information about its operation.

“Ensuring worksite compliance is a fundamental responsibility of Homeland Security Investigations,” Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens said in the statement. “Our commitment to safeguarding public safety, national security, and economic stability is unwavering. Inspections like these are critical in targeting illegal employment practices that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets, and expose our critical infrastructure to exploitation.”

In response to many resident inquiries about city police policies regarding illegal immigrants, the department posted the following FAQ on Facebook:

Q1: Does the Bethlehem Police Department enforce federal immigration laws?

A1: No. The Bethlehem Police Department does not have the authority or responsibility to enforce federal immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the jurisdiction of federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Q2: Will Bethlehem Police Officers ask about immigration status during traffic stops or calls for service?

A2: No. Our officers do not routinely inquire about immigration status during traffic stops or calls for service. Our priority is ensuring public safety and building trust with the community.

Q3: If I’m undocumented, can I still call the Bethlehem Police for help?

A3: Yes! We urge all residents — regardless of immigration status — to call us if they need assistance or are the victim of a crime.

Q4: Does the Bethlehem Police Department cooperate with ICE?

A4: Our department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement operations. We do cooperate with federal agencies when required by law, such as in cases involving serious crimes or warrants issued by a federal judge.

Q5: What happens if ICE requests a detainer on someone in custody with the Bethlehem Police Department?

A5: We comply with judicial warrants as required by law.

Q6: Can Bethlehem Police Officers arrest someone solely for being undocumented?

A6: No. Being undocumented is a civil violation of federal immigration law, not a criminal offense under state or local law. Our officers cannot arrest someone solely based on their immigration status.

Q7: Are Bethlehem Police Officers trained by ICE or part of any ICE task forces?

A7: No. Our department is not part of the 287(g) program or any agreement that deputizes local officers to act as immigration agents.

Q8: What should I do if I feel targeted or harassed because of my immigration status?

A8: Contact the Bethlehem Police Department immediately. Discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, or perceived immigration status is unacceptable and will be investigated.

Q9: What should I do if ICE comes to my door and I’m unsure if they really are an ICE agent?

A9: Contact the Bethlehem Police Department and we will dispatch an officer to your location to verify the individual’s credentials.

Q10: How does the Bethlehem Police Department support immigrant communities?

A10: We engage with immigrant communities through outreach programs, bilingual officers, cultural competency training, and partnerships with local organizations. Our goal is to build trust and ensure safety for everyone in our city.