The Bethlehem Police Department issued a statement Friday addressing public concerns and clarifying its involvement in a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation at the Five10 Flats construction site.
Police emphasized that they did not participate in the ICE raid, which resulted in the detention of 17 construction workers. The department said it received a courtesy notification from the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday morning about a federal search. Officers later responded to an unrelated medical emergency in the area. The statement said the department’s role was limited to providing medical support.
Bethlehem police also reiterated that the department does not participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program. Judicial and federal warrants are handled at the federal level, and local authorities do not enforce immigration violations beyond what the law requires.
The department encouraged immigrant community members to report any instances of discrimination or harassment.
“Discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, or perceived immigration status is unacceptable and will be investigated,” the statement said.
Police also highlighted ongoing efforts to build relationships with immigrant communities.
“We engage with immigrant communities through outreach programs, bilingual officers, cultural competency training, and partnerships with local organizations,” the statement said. “Our goal is to build trust and ensure safety for everyone in our city.”
In the days following the raid, some community members organized in solidarity with the detained individuals. On June 12, between 300 and 500 people gathered at the Five10 Flats site and marched to City Hall to protest the operation.
The Lehigh Valley Immigration Emergency Response Network called the raid an “egregious violation” and urged residents to stand in support of immigrant rights.
