EASTON, Pa. — A resolution expressing support for immigrant communities and calling on the Trump administration to take action on immigration reform was tabled Wednesday night after a heated debate among Easton City Council members.
The measure, introduced by Councilman Roger Ruggles and co-sponsored by all other council members, highlights the nation’s history of welcoming immigrants and the contributions they have made to American society. It calls on the federal government to recognize the value of undocumented immigrants and to develop “a clear and easily managed pathway” to U.S. citizenship.
The resolution also urges federal officials to ensure humane conditions for those arriving at the border, maintain family unity and assist in determining legal pathways for entry.
While the proposal is not an ordinance and would not carry the force of law, it suggests that city employees avoid requesting, recording or disclosing information about a person’s citizenship or immigration status unless required by law, court order or regulation. It further recommends that city resources not be used to assist immigration enforcement officials without explicit authorization.
“The council of the City of Easton opposes the separation of law-abiding families and does not support actions that disrupt the lives of its residents,” the resolution states, adding that denying individuals due process contradicts the principles of justice and fairness.
If adopted, the resolution would be sent to President Donald Trump, U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, and U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. It would also be shared with more than 30 city councils across the country, encouraging them to pass similar measures.
The debate follows months of tension surrounding immigration policy in Easton. Since February, Councilwoman Taiba Sultana has pushed for an ordinance aimed at protecting immigrants after a series of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests. That ordinance, which would have limited cooperation between city employees and federal immigration authorities, was pulled from the council’s August agenda amid concerns that it could create a “false sense of security” or draw unwanted federal attention to the city.
On Wednesday, residents and activists spoke in support of the new resolution.
“The time is now to act for the people who are being kidnapped,” resident Dominic Trabosci said. “This is the least we could be doing. Please don’t let me down again.”
Mark Rosenzweig, a member of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, thanked Sultana for her efforts.
“Thank you for standing for the values Easton claims to support — inclusion, fairness and the right to live without fear,” he said. “No Easton official should be in the business of enforcing federal immigration policy.”
Another resident, Luke, called the resolution a reflection of Easton’s roots.
“Immigration is not an issue in the United States; it’s the foundation of every family’s story here,” he said.
Not everyone agreed. Mark, an Easton community member, said the measure could make Easton a “sanctuary city” in practice.
“There’s only so much we can put on everybody’s back,” he said. “Let’s keep people here who are here legally.”
During council discussion, tensions flared between Sultana and several members, including Councilman Frank Pintabone, who accused her of reusing language from the failed ordinance.
“You just diluted it,” Pintabone said, calling the measure “symbolic” and without legal weight.
Sultana pushed back. “I understand why you’re making this point,” she said. “Because undocumented immigrants can’t vote for you.”
Vice Mayor Ken Brown suggested keeping the language of a 2017 resolution instead, while others debated whether to incorporate Sultana’s proposed clauses. After prolonged discussion, Councilwoman Crystal Rose motioned to table the vote until the next committee meeting on Nov. 11, citing unresolved disagreements. The motion passed with all members in favor except Sultana.
“Immigrants living in Pennsylvania contribute $523 million in tax revenue,” Sultana said. “This is merely a resolution and the bare minimum we could do.”
