ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Court officials have responded to Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk’s concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at the Lehigh County Courthouse, saying federal immigration agents are legally permitted to operate in public areas of the building.
“ICE agents, like any state or federal law enforcement agents, are allowed to be present and operate in all public spaces, including public areas of county courthouses,” Stacey Witalec, spokesperson for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, said in a statement. “At present, there is no legal basis to prohibit law enforcement from this basic operational principle.”
Tuerk sent a letter to President Judge Brian Johnson on July 18, urging the court to clarify procedures and explore ways to limit immigration enforcement in and around the courthouse.
His letter followed public comments at the July 9 Lehigh County Commissioners meeting, where residents described recent ICE actions and said the presence of agents was spreading fear in immigrant communities.
Gwen Dietrich, a speaker at the meeting, accused county officials of enabling ICE by allowing agents access to courthouse grounds.
“Why are we leading people into a literal trap?” she asked. “Why are there ICE agents in the courthouse? I’m really disgusted with what’s being allowed to happen.”
Another resident, Elizabeth DeJesus, said she witnessed two plainclothes ICE agents detain her husband, Darwin Contreras Rodriguez, outside the courthouse on June 24. She said the agents did not identify themselves or present a warrant.
In his letter, Tuerk acknowledged Johnson’s authority over courthouse operations but said his intent was to ensure all residents feel safe accessing the justice system.
“We want to dispel fear,” he wrote.
Witalec noted that individuals who have attempted to obstruct ICE in other states have faced felony charges and said law enforcement presence is expected to occur without disruption to courthouse operations.
Advocates continue to call on county leaders to limit cooperation with ICE, citing concerns about due process, civil rights, and community trust.