Commissioners Debate Immigration Enforcement Ordinance in Lackawanna County

Proposed 'Protect Our Neighbors Act' would limit county cooperation with federal immigration agents

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Lackawanna County Commissioners meeting on February 18, 2026 was dominated by debate over a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the county from assisting federal immigration enforcement. Speakers on both sides of the issue made their positions clear during the public comment period, with some praising the ordinance and others arguing the county should cooperate with federal authorities. Commissioners took no official action on the proposal, which remains under legal review.

Why it matters

The debate over the proposed ordinance highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of local governments in cooperating with federal agencies like ICE. The ordinance is seen by supporters as a way to protect immigrant communities, while opponents argue it would undermine public safety by limiting cooperation with federal law enforcement.

The details

The proposed 'Protect Our Neighbors Act' ordinance would bar county employees and agencies from assisting with federal immigration enforcement, unless presented with a valid judicial warrant. It would prevent the county from allowing ICE or Customs and Border Protection agents to access people in the county's custody, transfer people to federal immigration agents, respond to ICE inquiries, or allow the use of county facilities, information or equipment for immigration enforcement. The ordinance would not prevent federal agencies from enforcing immigration law in the county, but would limit the county's cooperation.

  • The commissioners meeting took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The proposed ordinance has been under consideration by the commissioners since late 2025.

The players

Sarah Balmer

A North Pocono area mother who described a frightening encounter with federal immigration agents in North Scranton while with her adopted daughter, a U.S. citizen.

Bill Gaughan

A Democratic Lackawanna County Commissioner who proposed the 'Protect Our Neighbors Act' ordinance to limit the county's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Thom Welby

A Democratic Lackawanna County Commissioner who expressed concerns about the proposed ordinance, worried it could provoke a 'frightening' reaction from former President Trump.

Chris Chermak

A Republican Lackawanna County Commissioner.

Michael Giannetta

A Scott Township Supervisor and former Republican commissioner candidate who argued the county should be cooperating with federal law enforcement on immigration.

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What they’re saying

“We live in the United States of America. We are a nation of immigrants. My daughter is a beautiful, intelligent, kind and gentle human being. She is a senior in high school. She is the absolute light and joy in our life. She belongs here. … She should not be worried about being detained by her own government for not matching her last name. This is not normal. This is not OK. We cannot allow this to be OK.”

— Sarah Balmer, North Pocono area mother (The Times-Tribune)

“I don't want to see Lackawanna County become a sanctuary county. I think that the county, local officials, should be working with federal law enforcement. That's how people are kept safe. … I think we're much better off cooperating with federal law enforcement officials than working against them.”

— Michael Giannetta, Scott Township Supervisor and former Republican commissioner candidate (The Times-Tribune)

“As I sat up here today for some of the speakers, I disagree with them but I feel bad for them, because they've been convinced by Fox News and by President Trump and by all these other right-wing nuts that we should be afraid of immigrants. No, we should be afraid of our rights as American citizens just being completely trampled over, because by the time everybody wakes … up in this country, I'm afraid it might be too late.”

— Bill Gaughan, Democratic Lackawanna County Commissioner (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

The Lackawanna County Commissioners will continue to review the proposed 'Protect Our Neighbors Act' ordinance and its legal implications before deciding whether to take official action on the proposal.

The takeaway

The debate over the immigration enforcement ordinance in Lackawanna County reflects the broader national tensions around the role of local governments in cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the county's immigrant communities and its relationship with federal law enforcement.