435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, February 5, 2025  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
Special Council meeting to discuss and vote on Bill 4 - An ordinance of the Council of  
the City of Allentown Pennsylvania requiring the city to obtain and maintain a  
welcoming city rating and work towards a score of no less than three stars from  
welcoming America; codifying the city's practices related to the provision of city  
services without regard to refugee or immigration status and requiring city council to  
advocate for the adoption of similar practices and policies by other municipalities;  
providing for the repeal of inconsistent ordinances; providing for the severability of the  
ordinance; and providing that the ordinance shall take effect in accordance with  
Pennsylvania law.:  
Roll Call  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he is going to ask when he opens it up to  
the floor for comments. he stated please, if you are here representing an  
organization, only one member should speak for the entire organization.  
There is no need for everybody. Try to be as concise as possible. There  
are a lot of people here and they have a Council meeting to conduct  
tonight. He stated that he appreciates that. He asked Mr. Clerk to please  
read the Bill.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon read the Bill.  
7 -  
Present:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
15-7422  
Bill 4  
An ordinance of the Council of the City of Allentown Pennsylvania requiring  
the city to obtain and maintain a welcoming city rating and work towards a  
score of no less than three stars from welcoming America; codifying the  
city's practices related to the provision of city services without regard to  
refugee or immigration status and requiring city council to advocate for the  
adoption of similar practices and policies by other municipalities; providing  
for the repeal of inconsistent ordinances; providing for the severability of  
the ordinance; and providing that the ordinance shall take effect in  
accordance with Pennsylvania law.  
Gerlach and Santos  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 4 New Immigrants and Refugees  
R17 Welcomingdraft  
Ordinance #16103.pdf  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that he will have  
Councilperson Gerlach to explain her proposal.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that herself and Councilperson Natalie Santos  
signed on to this piece of legislation. Bill 4 is modeled after legislation that  
was passed in 2024 and the city of Lancaster. The city of Erie has also  
passed similar legislation. What this legislation would do is encourage and  
mandate that the city of Allentown become a certified Welcoming City  
through Welcoming America. She read a couple of the key aspects of the  
Resolution. She stated that the key elements to point out stating they all  
have been handed an Eight US Code Section 1373 concerning  
communication between government agencies and the Immigration and  
Naturalization Service. She stated that this ordinance is following that. It is  
not violating that Section of US Code because it clearly states time and  
time again, if you have not read the ordinance she strongly encouraged  
them to do so. It states time and time again that any restriction of  
communication with a federal agency is within federal law unless an agency  
has a warrant or a court order or subpoena, they will not cooperate, but if  
they have those items or have those documentations, yes, they will  
definitely cooperate and follow the federal law. She stated that this  
ordinance is not an attempt to become a Sanctuary city. There is no such  
thing as one. This is an attempt to make sure that they are not using our  
city resources that could be going to parks, playgrounds and public safety  
and enforcing federal immigration law. She stated again, when the federal  
government comes and they have the proper documentation, by all means,  
but other than that. She stated that they have their own issues to handle in  
the city of Allentown. She stated that they sure do want all populations of  
residents to feel comfortable working with our Police Department and  
reporting crimes. It would be a shame if someone didn't report a crime  
because they thought they might be deported by calling he cops. She  
stated that the last thing she would say how important is to codify. She  
stated that they write down how tall fences should be. They write down if  
you are allowed to ride a bike, where on the street. They write down how  
many trash they can put out. When something matters, you write it down.  
She stated that bumper sticker politics, is not good enough in times like  
these. She stated that they need a framework by which they can operate  
from. They need a guiding light so when times get even messier, they  
know where they stand and know what they can and cannot do. She stated  
that is why herself and Councilperson Santos have introduced this piece of  
legislation. She stated that is all she has for now.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk thanked Council President Hendricks for the opportunity  
to address Bill #4. He stated he appreciates the opportunity to speak on  
this Bill. He thinks Councilperson Gerlach and he agrees on quite a bit.  
Before, anything else, he wants to recognize the tremendous number of  
advocates that are here right now. They have expressed thoughtful  
advocacy over months now. Some of these conversations go by months  
and probably prior to the Presidential Election a lot of the folks here now  
working to advance the rights of people who has various immigrant  
statuses for many years, long before many of them were thinking about it.  
He stated that he is deeply appreciative of their advocacy of you being  
present here tonight because now more than ever they do need to commit  
to helping our neighbors. He wants to start by talking briefly about his  
grandmother. He stated today, is her birthday. She would have been 106  
years old today. She is very important to him and it means a lot, particularly  
the last couple of days. It has helped guide his soul as they think about  
some of the work they have in front of them. She moved to the United  
States in 1948 to study dentistry and fell in love with she said his  
grandfather shortly after in East Stroudsburg. He stated that she really fell in  
love with this country. Over 26 years, she worked for her citizenship with  
clarity and confidence about a path forward and in 1974, the year before he  
was born she earned that citizenship and became a citizen and lived a life  
without worry. She pursued an American Dream speaking freely with her  
incredibly thick accent that he misses every day without fear of being falsely  
arrested by immigration authorities or without being pickup. That was the  
role that she lived in. She had this confidence and freedom from dread that  
not a lot of people are living with right now in 2025. He thinks a lot about  
how people are feeling at the moment. He stated that he heard stories  
recently from people who are worried about sending kids to school.  
People have shown them text that they sent them saying that they are  
worried about what would happen to their friends in school. He stated that  
he has spoken with friends who recently received their citizenship. They  
are walking around with their papers right now because they don't want to  
leave anything to doubt. He visited with the store manager at Suprema  
Supermarket a couple weekends ago where there was a rumor circulating  
on Facebook that ICE was going to raid Supremo. People are afraid and  
that's why he stated that they see so many people coming in tonight  
because they are feeling for their friends and their neighbors and the  
people they love. They are afraid and living in some level of with dread  
about what the future holds. Dread is more than fear. Dread is a feeling of  
uncertainty about something bad that might happen some time in the future.  
Not right now, but sometime in the future. That's where a lot of people are  
right now. They are turning to leaders to be clear with them about what we  
can do and what we cannot do. We as a city, can instruct our Police  
Department through administrative policies to do certain things and not to  
do certain things. He stated that they had in fact instructed our Police  
Department about how to behave around immigration status. They can  
also work to ensure all the institutions: hospitals, churches, educational  
institutions understand exactly what their rights are and what their  
responsibilities are and what protections they can offer. He stated that is  
what they have done as a city. What they cannot do and he thinks Ms.  
Gerlach pointed it out is they cannot pull up the drawbridge at the border of  
the city of Allentown when they think that ICE is coming to conduct a raid in  
Allentown. He stated that he wants that totally clear tonight that everybody  
that is listening understands what they can and cannot do. He stated to Ms.  
Gerlach that she mentioned the text of Bill 4 mentions the codification of  
existing policy. The policy that exist already. He stated that they  
established prior to the past couple of months. They stated it what they do  
now already is they do not ask, and when they say we, he is talking about  
the Allentown Police Department ask about documentation status when  
they engage someone whose committed a crime or someone who  
witnessed a crime or whatever that police engagement looks like. He  
stated that they don't ask about their immigration status. They also don't  
discriminate on the basis of immigration status. The city of Allentown  
provide services to people in Allentown. He stated that they don't ask to  
see or ask for your passport. He stated that they don't ask for your Green  
Card. They are not looking for your immigration status. He stated that they  
provide those services and they don't provide logistical support to federal  
agencies that are conducting administrative whether it is immigration  
enforcement or otherwise. They work with folks that are here to help them  
with the mission is. The mission is to reduce violent crimes in the city of  
Allentown in an effort to create a safe clean welcoming environment for the  
well being of all our residents. That is what they do and the core of this  
ordinance will have them do. Yet, with all that said, he oppose this Bill as  
an ordinance. For one, the city Charter is clear about his responsibility as  
the mayor. His responsibly dictated by the powers and duties as the mayor  
is to establish and develop administrative policy. He stated that is what he  
has to do. He has to provide direction to our employees on how to work.  
How to do things on the things that they should do or what they should not  
do. He stated that is the role of the mayor and how to codify and put that  
into practice. Additionally, and he has been working with his office. It was  
important to him that they explore the creation of Welcoming status and  
becoming a Welcoming community through Welcoming America. He  
stated that his office has been working since mid December to understand  
what would be required of us to become a Welcoming community and he  
has here Welcoming Standard 2.0 and it was mentioned as a reference to  
the Welcoming Standard for this ordinance. One of his major concerns  
about this ordinance, is that it requires them to tie their administrative  
policy, their internal policy to an organization over what we have no control  
and for whom they have new obligation exist to the residents of the city of  
Allentown. They become the organization that determines how they should  
operate as a city when they write an ordinance like this and their on  
Version 2.0 f the Welcoming Standard. His guess it will continue to evolve  
and asking them to cue to a certain star level he thinks it would be a  
mistake that will also open up to legal exposure. He stated that his primary  
concern with this Bill he believes creates a false sense of security for those  
who we are trying to protect and the once that are most vulnerable. He  
wants to be clear or what they can and can't do as a city. He stated that his  
job is to reduce suffering and increase the well-being of our residents by  
being compassionate. He stated that they can be compassionate leaders.  
They can direct their employees to not discriminate. They can direct the  
employees to not ask about immigration status. They can direct the  
employees to do everything they can to welcome people to our city of  
Allentown. What they cannot do is prohibit ICE or any other federal agency  
from conducting operations in the city of Allentown. He stated that they can  
work closely with them to arrest violent criminals and make sure this is a  
safe city and everybody is safe in the city of Allentown. They can continue  
to encourage people to engage with our law enforcement to enhance their  
own protection. He stated that they can make sure that the places that hurt  
people are healing and where desperate people are praying and lonely  
people are looking for friends and where our hopeful children who are  
learning are safe. The way that they are doing it is providing the  
information to those organizations so they can provide protections. He  
stated that is our responsibilities as city leaders to be compassionate and  
to serve the people of the city of Allentown. He stated that what he is  
asking them to do is reconsider this Bill. He is asking them to confirm a  
commitment to working together with this administration to become a  
Welcoming City. He is asking them to be responsible leaders and be clear  
with our residents on what they can or cannot do. He stated that they want  
to create an America that welcomes everyone. He stated that they want to  
do their part to where their grandson of an immigrant can be successful or  
a son of an immigrant or an immigrant herself can be successful in our city.  
He stated that he thinks they can do that together. He doesn't think they  
need to codify these policies into ordinance to accomplish that. They can  
do it together and he thinks they can continue to lead compassionately and  
help people through a terrible period of fear and dread by being clear and  
giving them confidence that Allentown is a place for them. He stated that  
concludes his comments and thanked Council for the opportunity to speak  
and turned it back to them.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk and stated now, they will have  
the Chief of Police.  
Chief Charles Roca thanked President Hendricks and stated he is the  
Chief of Police for the city of Allentown Police Department. He thanked  
Council President Hendricks for the opportunity to speak on Bill 4. First  
and foremost, he wants to say that one of the most important foundational  
aspects of a Police Department is the trust it has with the community that it  
polices. He always notes that the Police does not simply police the  
community, but police with the community. One of the most basic needs of  
a person is to be safe and police safety is a top priority in the city of  
Allentown. The Police Department is committed to serving all persons who  
live, work, visit or transit through the city of Allentown. He stated that their  
primary function is to provide law enforcement services within the  
community. As part of this mission, is to work collaboratively with the law  
enforcement partners in all levels of government from local, state and  
federal agencies. They do not as a matter of patience as for immigration  
status of as any person as they are not a federal immigration officers. The  
Allentown Police Department also does not have the ability to conduct  
deportations. Their focus is clearly stated in their Mission Statement. The  
Mission of the Allentown Police Department is to reduce crime and  
contribute to the safety of those who they are sworn to serve and protect  
through collaboration with our diverse community. They will strive to be the  
most professional police organization serving with honor and integrity while  
adhering to the pillars of procedural justice. The Mission speaks to the  
oath that they have taken as law enforcement officers. At the end of the  
day, the Allentown Police Department must obey and defend the  
Constitution of the United States of America. In a time where division is  
rampant, let us remember that we must all work together to move forward  
within our framework of laws. He shared with them a personal story, his  
parents are immigrants from the Republic of Guatemala who came to this  
great nation in the 1970s. They worked hard in the textile mills in Allentown  
at the time and navigated the process of becoming citizens of this great  
country. He stated that he is so grateful to their commitment to come here  
which afforded him many opportunities that lead him to become the Chief  
of Police for the city that he loves. He empathize with the members of our  
community that want a better life for their loved ones and understand the  
current fear and dread as the mayor put it. He wants to reiterate the  
message that the Allentown Police Department is committed to our  
community and continue to work for the safety of all residents due the  
delivery of affective and professional law enforcement services and with  
that he wants to state his opposition to Bill 4.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Chief Roca.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he wants to point out that the Fire Chief  
alerted him that they are not going to allow anyone else to enter Council  
Chambers. They are at capacity, but if they can open the doors so that  
people can hear or direct people to tune in via the Granicus weblink. That  
may be a better way to hear and participate on what is going on. He stated  
that he is just letting Mr. Hendricks know as a Council President.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk stated that at this time, they are  
going to have their Solicitor Maria Montero speak.  
Attorney Maria Montero thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated Welcoming  
America is a non-government organization that formally doesn't bait local  
governments as certified welcoming with a star rating system and ranking  
system. It is unknown from her research what legal action would result if the  
city of Allentown fails to obtain or maintain this angios ranking and the city  
could potentially be exposed to lawsuits that would attempt to force the city  
to comply with the ranking requirements or potentially penalize the city for  
failing the ranking requirements. As one of her rules as City Council  
Solicitor is to provide advice on avoiding litigation.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Council Solicitor Maria Montero and opened it  
up to the dais for comments.  
Mr. Ed Zucal thanked President Hendricks stating that it is no secret that it  
is a very emotionally charged issue. He stated that he thinks that and will  
explain the paper that Ms. Gerlach was referring to earlier There are some  
federal laws that the Chief and the Mayor alluded to and they cannot violate.  
He thinks what's happening is, there is always this when it is a major issue.  
People like to instigate. He stated ISIS, he has not seen one person from  
ISIS here in Allentown. He stated maybe someone has. He has not. He  
stated that they are not here to look for the gentlemen that is just living here.  
There are looking for people that are setting people on fire on subways,  
killing people at birthday parties, and killing runners while they are out  
exercising. They are not here looking for the guy that is cooking our food,  
working on the farm. They are looking for the criminals. Quite frankly, he  
does not know if anybody would ever disagree with this, he doesn't think he  
would want them personally living next to him neither. He stated that he  
probably has lots of people that probably undocumented living here and  
they work every day, they feed their families every day and he doesn't think  
those are the people ISIS is looking for. He stated that he would be totally  
honest with them. He stated yes, they should be a Welcoming City for  
everyone, regardless of what your nationality is because at one point in  
time our ancestors were all immigrants. He stated let him just explain what  
he does things. He kind of want to do a little research. The paper the Ms.  
Gerlach was referring to is a federal statute. It is Title VIII, United States  
Code 1373 which has to do with communication between government  
agencies and Immigration and Naturalization Service. He stated  
notwithstanding of any other provision of federal, state or local law, a  
federal, state or local government entity or official may not prohibit or any  
way restrict any government entity or official from sending to or receiving  
from Immigration and Naturalization Service information regarding the  
citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful of any individual which  
basically means that he does not care if you are a local or state you cannot  
interfere. You can absolutely be investigated and charged as well. He  
sated that he know that this is a very important thing, but the Welcoming  
City part is great, but unfortunately he doesn't think that they should be  
violating any law let alone federal law.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk asked if he could weigh in on the last point that Mr. Zucal  
made, he would ask Ms. Montero or our the city Solicitor to clarify if  
possible. He stated that a couple of weeks ago, he was talking with  
somebody from Georgetown Institute on Constitution Law and it made it  
clear to the US Conference of Mayors that the key provision here is they  
must transmit information to Immigration and Naturalization Services, if they  
collect it. He stated that they are not required to collect the information, but  
if they do they must collect it and presently the city of Allentown Police  
Department does not collect Immigration Information, does not collect  
immigration status, so they are not in the position where we are violating  
any federal law and it is no provision in this ordinance that would require  
them to break the law. He wants to make that clear and they are on the  
same page of that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she has to agree with Mr. Zucal. It is a very  
sensitive subject. She stated that her grandparents came from abroad and  
the law is the law. She doesn't see how they can handcuff our Police  
Department. She stated through the years in Allentown and she  
remembers during Ray O'Connell's administration, it was a lot going on  
about a Sanctuary City and so on and so forth. She stated that he  
explained it to her and the Chief explained it to her and this is the way it has  
been working in Allentown. She stated that they do not go after  
undocumented people. She stated that they don't go into schools, they  
don't go into places of business. She stated that they don't look for them,  
but if they do commit a crime, the Police Department will notify ICE and get  
them out of our city which is exactly what we want to do. She stated in plain  
English, the city of Allentown is a Welcoming City and for years have you  
ever heard of any raise from our city or anything like that. It doesn't happen  
here. She stated that they don't go out looking for them. They respect all  
the immigrants that are here and as far as she knows, not one  
undocumented immigrant has broken a law in the city that she knows of. At  
least a serious law. She stated that they can't break the law. They have to  
go with what the federal government issues and can't handcuff the Police  
Department and tell them what they can and cannot do when the federal  
government is. She stated that they have nothing and Ms. Gerlach said if  
they come in here, ICE, there is nothing they can do about it. They will  
come in and they will raid and it has nothing to do with them. She stated  
that they are a Welcoming City and she thinks that they are all sensitive to  
wanting the immigrants that are legal and even illegal. She stated that if  
they are not bothering anybody, it takes years sometimes to become an  
American citizen. She stated that Allentown is not broke, they don't have  
to fix it because they have been doing it for years. She stated that they  
have not chased them. They have not harassed them. They have not  
arrested them. She stated that she thinks that they have to respect the law.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Affa.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated that she does agree with Mr. Zucal. She stated the  
part that he says that no one wants to live next to a criminal. She stated  
that she agrees with him in that in that aspect, but what she doesn't agree  
is that they are only picking up criminals. If you are undocumented, they will  
pick you up. It does not matter if you are not working 14 hours a day, they  
will pick you up if you are undocumented. She stated that she has prided  
herself on being a City Councilwoman for the people, but she cannot deny  
her heritage. She stated that she is an immigrant. She stated that she was  
blessed to be the first Dominican woman to be on City Council and the first  
Dominican woman to be a City Council President in the state. All these  
accomplishments means nothing when our neighbors are suffering. She  
stated every time we choose to oppress one set of people, we hurt the  
entire human race. She stated that they are discussing immigration, but  
this is more about dividing our community. Today, we are targeting  
immigration, but tomorrow it could be any minority group. It could be the  
LGBTQ. It could be affirmative action. Once it is acceptable to alienate  
one of us, it is easier to alienate us all. On Sunday, her 13 year old  
daughter was afraid of going to school. She said that she is afraid to go to  
school because of her skin color because ICE might mistakenly take her  
and her 14 year old son came up with an escape plan because they do not  
feel safe. She stated our city, our youth are suffering and we have to do  
something. She stated that she really believes when the kids go to school,  
they should be going to school and thinking about field trips and social  
studies and about different things that kids think about. What to do with  
their friends. They should have to be thinking about having an escape plan  
if ICE comes to their school. She said come on. The reality is, she does  
agree with Mr. Zucal that ICE is not here yet. She also went to the  
Supremo and went to different supermarkets. She went to Little Apple and  
went to C - Town and spoke to the managers. They all told her that they  
have not seen ICE yet, ok. She stated that they also told her that they  
make a certain amount of money which she is not going to say how much  
daily. Now, the money that they are making in the supermarket it has been  
very, very low and it is a problem. She went on Sunday and the  
supermarket was empty. She stated that people are scared. Not only  
undocumented, but people with green cards because the reality is, if you  
don't have something on you could be taken. It is happening in different  
cities. She stated that they are lucky right now that it is not happening in the  
city. She stated that she trusts the Police Department. She understands  
what the mayor is saying, but let's say we have another Chief of Police,  
what's going to happen later on. She stated that they are not only talking  
about undocumented, we are talking about the citizens of this city that are  
afraid. She stated to be honest with them, something needs to be done.  
She stated that she doesn't have all the answers stating she don't. She  
knows what it is to live in the shadows. She knows when people comes to  
her office because they want to become US citizens, they are afraid. She  
stated that she has been getting lots and lots of phone calls and it is  
heartbreaking. On Sunday, she stated that she went out with a group of  
friends just for an hour. She had to do laundry. She had to do what  
mothers do when kids needs to go to school. When she went out, the  
people that she was with had their passport. She stated this is like insane.  
They had their passports on them. This is sad. People are just terrified.  
She stated so they have to keep this in mind. Something needs to be  
done. She stated that she doesn't want any criminals, definitely. If you are  
undocumented and you do something or a criminal act, let's send them  
back to their countries and their homeland, but the reality is people are  
suffering. This is a community that is suffering and then what's going to  
happen. What's going to happen in the future. Now, it is us, later on, it  
could be you.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mota.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated you know, the matter of change and how quickly it  
is happening is something that he has seen before. In two weeks, how  
everything can change. He hears what is happening in the community. He  
sees it and there is no doubt there is a lot of anx. He stated that he does  
see all the sides. Mayor Tuerk mentioned about the Administrative Policy  
that's in the Home Rule Charter. It is our laws that they mayor does set that  
policy and City Council does not. He does worry that if City Council does  
do an ordinance that it could add duplication and confusion within our  
departments to what the administration is doing. He thinks that and one of  
his concerns is reducing that or eliminating that and that is something that it  
needs to be more discussion about because the last thing they want is  
confusion or anything that hampers the effective delivery of city services.  
He stated that it is really important especially with APD. Allentown Police  
Department will be at the crux of this entire conversation. Regarding the  
Allentown Police Department, he learned a lot over the last couple of  
weeks. They do follow the laws of the constitution. He did learn that they  
don't collect immigration status. He stated that he did not know that. He  
thinks that it is a good thing. If somebody is engaged by the Allentown  
Police Department, there is nowhere on the box that asked about  
immigration so that was something that he was happy to see. He did also  
find out from Lehigh County that there is no box on Lehigh County sheet  
either for arrest or for bookings. He stated that tells him that they are not  
collecting data which he thinks is great because if they are not collecting it,  
then they can't share it. He stated that he thinks it is something that it was  
good to see. He also learned from speaking with many folks from the  
Allentown Police Department, they are in the business of public safety and  
enforcing our local laws. They are not in the immigration business. That  
was also something he was happy to hear. He stated really, one of his  
biggest concerns and he is sure it has been talked about at nauseam  
everywhere is the affects of an ordinance like this and what it could do.  
Mayor Tuerk mentioned the false sense of security. He looks at and always  
looks at unintended consequences and doing something that was going to  
create another issue. This ordinance could do more damage to our  
immigrant community by putting more of a spotlight on Allentown. He  
stated that he knows some folks will push back on that and that is a chance  
he doesn't know if he is willing to take. You hear the rhetoric and try to not  
watch it all because for mental health reasons it is hard to watch, but it  
seems more of a focus of other areas and it doesn't make it right, but it is  
trying to keep Allentown off the radar which is something that he would want  
to see. Whether it is with federal agencies or whether it is with our leaders  
in Washington. He stated that they have work to do and the one thing he  
has learned is they all need to learn more about what this administration is  
doing and how they are doing it. He stated that he has learned a lot the last  
week or two. He thinks it is still more to learn of how our administration is  
handling this issue and how it impacts our community. He stated that they  
need to learn more about that and it is also having more conversations on  
how we could be better and how they can improve ways to do business to  
protect our entire community. That conversation needs to be had. It is  
really something that he is interested in having. He stated that he is a son  
of immigrants. He stated that his parents came on a boat. He stated that  
his wife is a daughter of immigrants. This issue is and they all talked about  
how sensitive and how it hits home and the toughest part of this job is  
balancing everything. It would be real easy to say yes, but what are the  
impacts. What are the results? What are the consequences? He stated  
that they have to think all that through. He stated that is what they are here  
for. He stated that he trying to understand more of big picture and at the  
end of the day what's the best results for our residents. It is something that  
he knows they continue to have this conversation, but he is hoping that they  
can learn more about what they can do legally to protect our community.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Napoli and stated that he would like to  
add also that he doesn't know if this legislation will make a difference. He  
stated that we are a Welcoming City. He stated that they have been for a  
long time. He stated that he has spent 40 years as a police officer. He is  
always welcoming people into our community. He lives not far from Center  
City and also shopped in the supermarkets. He stated that he has not seen  
the fear, but he could understand it. He stated what he fears is the  
legislation that could come their way and lawsuits that could be filed if they  
allow a nongovernmental agency to dictate city policy. He stated that he  
does not need legislative action to continue his thought nor does the city as  
a welcoming city. It causes more problems to do it and willing to work as  
the mayor has stated to continue with America and the administration as  
long as those are within legal guidelines that they can. He knows the City  
Solicitor and Council's own Solicitor have warned them about the problems  
if they would enact this legislation. He stated that he does support our law  
enforcement as he has been a member for a long time.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach thanked Mr. Hendricks and stated it has been stated  
that the mayor has responsibilities and stated you do. She stated that they  
have responsibilities as well. She stated that they are legislators. She  
stated that their responsibility is to legislate. Their responsibility is to see a  
need and a problem in the community and address that through legislation.  
She stated that is what this bill will attempt to do. She stated that is Point 1.  
She stated as it has been stated, the city of Lancaster and the city of Erie  
have already passed Welcoming City legislation. There have not been any  
lawsuits against the city of Erie or the city of Lancaster. She asked hav  
This Ordinance was approved.  
Enactment No: 16103  
15-7488  
R17 Draft  
Allentown City Council recognizes the primary mission of the Allentown  
Police Force is to keep our citizens safe, we support the dignity and worth  
of every human being, that we are and will further become a WELCOMING  
CITY, focusing on ensuring that all residents, including immigrants, can fully  
participate in civic life, the economy, access to education and local  
services, participate in community institutions, give feedback to  
government officials, and develop trusting relationships with local safety  
services such as law enforcement and emergency response and that  
everyone needs to get away from extremism and remember this Country  
has a fundamental uniqueness, we are all basically immigrants, and we  
migrated here because we wanted opportunity and to call ourselves  
Americans, and this is something we should all be celebrating together.  
Mota, Hendricks, Affa and Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R17 Welcoming.doc  
ADJOURNED: 8:53 PM  
15-7422  
Bill 4  
An ordinance of the Council of the City of Allentown Pennsylvania requiring  
the city to obtain and maintain a welcoming city rating and work towards a  
score of no less than three stars from welcoming America; codifying the  
city's practices related to the provision of city services without regard to  
refugee or immigration status and requiring city council to advocate for the  
adoption of similar practices and policies by other municipalities; providing  
for the repeal of inconsistent ordinances; providing for the severability of  
the ordinance; and providing that the ordinance shall take effect in  
accordance with Pennsylvania law.  
Gerlach and Santos  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 4 New Immigrants and Refugees  
R17 Welcomingdraft  
Ordinance #16103.pdf  
Attorney Maria Montero stated Point of Order, under Section 2,  
Councilperson and stated that Ms. Gerlach stated earlier in this city during  
its 2025 certification should pursue. She stated so that she understands,  
should or shall.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated shall pursue.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated shall pursue.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated shall pursue and stated try. She stated that she  
shares the concern about voting on things and nothing happens and stated  
aight that the truth. She stated what does gives her some level of  
confidence is that our DEI and asked what is her new role or title.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated People and Culture Specialist.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she is on this and been on this and what  
also gives her some confidence is it does state a year then 2025 so their is  
a level of accountability. She is confident as long as they are all here that  
they will hold the administration and themselves accountable. She stated  
that she hopes they hold them accountable. She stated those are her  
Motions and she doesn't know if it is still a second that there was the last  
time.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that she will second those Motions.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there is just one question for Ms. Montero  
and asked if she was ok with that. Would that comply with the law and they  
would not be?  
Attorney Maria Montero stated in understanding what the wishes and  
desires of Council are, it seems as though they are interested in moving  
forward with this type of legislation and working with the administration,  
correct.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is suggesting. It is no longer mandating. It  
is no longer required that they become a Welcoming City. It is simply  
suggesting to the administration that they keep doing what they are doing  
and work on becoming a Welcoming City. She stated that they all have  
varying viewpoints up here. If they were to pass this amendment, it would  
still pass through the legislation in terms of our relationship with federal  
enforcement. If you are 100 percent against that portion, Section 3 then  
vote accordingly.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated it includes the Section of no official or employee of  
the City shall inquire into an individual's citizenship or immigration status,  
unless required to do so by state or federal law or court order and  
cascades from there.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated so that Section will stay. She stated just so you  
know because just how much she wants this to pass, she doesn't want  
someone on here voting against something that they don't believe in just  
because we have these amendments now. She stated so if you are not  
exactly down with immigration and you feel that there are people who need  
to leave, then you vote accordingly. She stated just know that for those that  
are here, this ordinance will still delineate between their role as a local  
government and the federal role. It would make sure that if ICE comes  
here that got to have their Ps and Qs. They got to have their paperwork,  
judicial warrants, they got to have their court orders that they are not going  
to collect data. When they say undocumented folks do you got, I don't  
know. We don't collect that data. It will still make sure that law enforcement  
aren't able to specifically target people because it looks like they might be  
undocumented. It would still make sure all of that will happen. It is just the  
only change is that we are suggesting that we become a Welcoming City.  
She stated that is it just so some of you may have a different political  
perspective no.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated thanks for the clarification.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she just need to what you were just saying  
here. She stated that she is going to make it as clear as she can for  
herself in her own head. She stated ICE comes in here and they have to  
have reason to come in here.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that they have to have a reason.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that they can't go to the Chief of Police and the  
Police says yes, we are going to raid this place. She stated that is all this  
is.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes. She stated that if there is a person who  
has been going around and killing people and they are undocumented and  
ICE knows that and they went to a judge and they got the paperwork they  
need to get to say hey, there is this killer that is in Allentown and she is  
undocumented. They come in and say hey, Chief Roca you got a killer in  
your town and help us.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that if her neighbor is selling fentanyl and she  
notices it, who does she go to, the Police.  
Chief Charles Roca stated yes.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated if somebody is committing a crime, she would  
always encourage your to.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated undocumented and then our Police Department  
would then get a hold of ICE. She asked Chief Roca is that the way it  
works.  
Chief Charles Roca stated what this is would be a compromise and still  
allow them to work in the role of criminal deportation. If they committed a  
homicide for example, they would still work with the ICE authorities.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that you would work with ICE.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they are not deporting anybody.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she just wants to clarify that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Chief Roca directly if he had any issues with  
this in a way it would be.  
Chief Charles Roca stated that he doesn't. He thinks it is a part of  
compromise and it is important as they as law enforcement as Allentown  
Police maintain a safe environment for all. He stated that he is not  
concerned with immigration status. He is concerned with holding people  
accountable that commit crimes.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, thank you.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota asked if she could say something. She stated that she is  
just hoping that everybody just votes yes for this legislation because she is  
telling them that they have serious issues in our community. She stated that  
people are scared. Children are scared and this is the time to be  
courageous. She stated that she is hoping with this amendment, with this  
compromise she is hoping that we are ok with this legislation. She stated  
that they need the children to be safe and parents to be safe and our  
community to go to the supermarket for God's sake and buy their food.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked if they could get it done tonight.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yeah, we are voting on this tonight.  
Mr. Santo Napoli said thank you for the clarification and also working on the  
amendment. He stated he and Ms. Gerlach both withdrew their Motions.  
He stated that he wants to bring his back as a second.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that she already seconded earlier.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that the motion was made by Ms. Gerlach and  
seconded by Ms. Santos.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated Ms. Santos. It is ok.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated you can say Natalie and Mr. Santo.  
Mr. Santo Napoli stated that it is ok. He stated that they are all going in the  
same direction. It is fine.  
Dr. Cynthia Mota stated yes.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked if it is time to vote.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated there is no discussion.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that they are voting on a compromise, correct.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that the only other thing he would say to Ce Ce  
and asked is she ok with him putting a Section 4 on advocacy requirement  
saying something to the affect that it is suggested that City Council shall as  
part of its annual.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes, she is ok with that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked do they need comments.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated if they want, he can go through what he has to  
make sure he has it.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he thinks they had plenty of comments on it  
and think they are at that point.  
A motion was made by Ce-Ce Gerlach, seconded by Natalie Santos, that this  
Ordinance be amended. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Yes:  
Yes:  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16103  
A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Ordinance be approved as  
amended. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida  
Affa, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 16103