The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners voted June 24 to defer action on a proposed policy outlining how county employees should respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, as divisions among commissioners and the public prompted calls for further revision.

The measure, Resolution 2026-26, introduced by Commissioner Jon Irons, aims to clarify what county employees are legally required to do — and not do — when interacting with immigration authorities. Irons said the policy is intended to proactively guide employees if ICE agents request access to county buildings or information. The proposal has the backing of Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel.

Several commissioners, however, voiced strong opposition. Commissioner Antonio Pineda called the measure “bad policy,” arguing it could put employees in a difficult position. “Pick one — get arrested or get fired,” Pineda said. Commissioners Sheila Alvarado and Dan Hartzell echoed concerns, citing the burden of training and questioning whether the policy offers enough protection to employees.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig said the proposal needs more work and introduced a motion to defer consideration until the July 8 meeting to allow time for revisions. The motion passed 6-2, with Hartzell and Pineda voting against the delay.

Public comment reflected similar divisions, with residents speaking both in support of and against the proposal.

Siegel sought to clarify the intent of the policy, saying the county would continue to comply with lawful requests. “No one is arguing against or saying that we shouldn’t follow the rule of law when it comes to working with ICE under legitimate and lawful circumstances,” he said.

Commissioners also considered a related measure, Resolution 2026-27, which prohibits immigration authorities from using county property to stage operations. That resolution was approved in a 6-2 vote, again opposed by Hartzell and Pineda. Supporters said the policy responds to concerns in the community, where some residents have expressed fear about routine activities such as shopping or visiting parks due to immigration enforcement.

In other business, commissioners approved placing a referendum on the November 2026 ballot that would replace the board chair with another commissioner as a member of the Lehigh County Retirement Board, effective Jan. 1, 2027. They also approved a measure allowing county notices to be published in a single newspaper of general circulation, reflecting current conditions in the county.

Commissioners authorized the county solicitor to hire outside counsel for matters related to Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation and accepted the county’s independent audit report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025. Several additional bills received first readings and will return for consideration at the July 8 meeting.