Mayor Joe Schember has issued a statement on potential ICE raids in the City of Erie. 

In a statement posted to Facebook, Schember said the city works in collaboration with refugee resettlement agencies and community partners, and is proud to welcome immigrants and refugees to start a new life here. 

The mayor went on to say that the city's priority is to protect and serve all residents and visitors. 

The mayor also stated that the detention of immigrants is not the focus, nor the responsibility of the Erie Police Department. However, if there is a situation in which someone is engaged in a violent crime, EPD has always worked with federal, state and local partners to ensure the safe arrest of the suspect. 

Mayor Schember's full statement can be read below: 

"As a Certified Welcoming community, designated by Welcoming America, and in collaboration with our refugee resettlement agencies and community partners, the City of Erie is proud to welcome immigrants and refugees to start a new life here.
We have received calls and emails from individuals expressing concerns and fear about possible immigration raids. We want to clarify that the City of Erie has never received, and does not expect to receive, detention requests from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office.
Our priority is to protect and serve all of our residents and visitors. The City regularly works and utilizes the resources of our federal and state agencies to ensure this protection. Detention of immigrants is not the focus, nor the responsibility, of the Erie Police Department (EPD). We are not aware of any planned sweeps, and the EPD has no jurisdiction over situations involving expired visas.
However, if there is a situation in which someone is engaged in violent crime, the Erie Police have always worked with Federal, State, and Local partners to ensure the safe arrest of the violent suspect. EPD would assist to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. This is a reciprocal relationship. When we request help, they respond as well.
Erie was built through the hard work ethic of immigrants and refugees who undertake a rigorous legal process to relocate here. They are briefly assisted so that they can become self-sufficient as quickly as possible and are guided on the path to citizenship. The immigration process is lengthy and complicated. Immigrants and refugees should be sure to follow the rules and carry their immigration paperwork (including work permits) and valid state-issued photo ID, such as a valid PA driver’s license (if driving).
New Americans enrich our community and help to revitalize our neighborhoods and fill vacant jobs. Thanks to our welcoming residents and our helpful community organizations, Erie is a great place to build a new life and raise a family. Let us continue to work together to make Erie a welcoming community for all."