After weeks of debate and revisions, a Lehigh County proposal establishing guidelines for county employees’ interactions with federal immigration officials failed on a 4-4 vote July 8, following spirited public comment from supporters and opponents.

The measure, Resolution 2026-26, had been deferred from a previous meeting and amended following feedback from commissioners, county employees and community members. Supporters said the proposal would provide clear procedures for county workers, while opponents argued it amounted to a noncooperation policy with federal immigration authorities.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig said she now supports the resolution, noting changes to the language addressed concerns for frontline workers. She said the updated measure clarifies procedures and responsibilities, adding that “definitions and shared procedures protect everyone.”

Despite the revisions, Commissioner Antonio Pineda remained opposed to the proposal, reiterating his objections to what he characterized as a noncooperation policy.

Public comment reflected the passionate divide surrounding the measure.

The Rev. Jon Stratton, dean of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, urged commissioners to support the resolution.

“Please ignore all the noise, all the rhetoric, all the reasons not to vote for this bill that are really just rooted in racism and hate,” Stratton said. “Because at the end of the day, any reason not to do the right thing is just an excuse.”

Additional speakers, including members of advocacy organizations and clergy, shared personal experiences and argued the resolution was needed to clarify interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement not specifically addressed under federal law.

A teacher of English language learners who works with immigrant students in Lehigh County said some students have expressed fear about attending class.

“There is already enough fear and distrust,” she said. “Please do not create anymore.”

Others spoke against the measure, arguing immigrants should enter the country through established legal processes.

George Rivera, of South Whitehall Township, criticized statements he attributed to Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel and voiced opposition to the resolution.

“Siegel said ICE assaulted protestors, beat, tased, pepper sprayed peaceful demonstrators, and violently murdered two Americans,” Rivera said. “He didn’t mention that he was talking about Minneapolis, where the Democrats paid hundreds of people to harass ICE and try to prevent ICE from doing their job.”

When commissioners voted, the resolution failed on a 4-4 tie.

Commissioners Jon Irons, Zach Cole-Borghi, Sarah Fevig and April Riddick voted in favor of the resolution. Commissioners Antonio Pineda, Ron Beitler, Sheila Alvarado and Dan Hartzell voted against it. Board Chair Geoff Brace was absent and did not vote.

The meeting also marked Irons’ final meeting as a Lehigh County commissioner. Although Resolution 2026-26 failed, several community members and fellow commissioners recognized his service during his three years on the board.

“John and I agree on almost nothing,” Hartzell said, drawing laughter from the audience. “Except where we want to get.”

Hartzell said he and Irons often differed on how to achieve policy goals but shared a commitment to fairness.

Riddick and Lehigh County resident Ed Angelo both said Irons “pushed the envelope when no one would.”

Angelo praised what he called Irons’ “undying allegiance to the human race” and said he learned valuable lessons about open-mindedness from the commissioner.

Visibly emotional, Irons said it was difficult to leave “unfinished work and ideas” behind.

He reflected on moving to the Lehigh Valley in 2017 and becoming involved in local advocacy efforts before entering politics.

With Irons preparing to move to Atlanta, the county is accepting applications to fill the commissioner-at-large seat through Jan. 3, 2028. Applications must be submitted to the Board of Commissioners office or through lehighcounty.org by 4 p.m. July 17.

Commissioners also approved two amendments to the 2026-30 Lehigh County capital plan. The amendments provide funding to upgrade the digital evidence management system at the Lehigh County Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center and to purchase furniture and equipment for the Office of Children and Youth Services as part of the Child Advocacy Center’s relocation.

In addition, the board approved a 2026 budget amendment to transfer funds to a major HVAC improvement project at Coca-Cola Park. County officials said the transfer is possible because funding from several previously planned projects is no longer needed.

The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners will meet next at 7:30 p.m. July 22.