Message from the Mayor:
As Mayor of Upper Darby Township, I want to take this opportunity to clearly define my stance, as well as the stance of the Township Council President and the Upper Darby Police Department, regarding national and local immigration issues.
One of the best and most distinguishing characteristics of Upper Darby Township is its diversity. It is this diversity that makes us “The World in One Place.” We are proud to embrace, celebrate, and value the culture and contributions of all our residents. Immigrants bring a wealth of talents, skills, and perspectives that enrich our community, enhancing our local economy and making Upper Darby a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work. The positive economic contributions of immigrants can be seen in the thriving local businesses they operate and support, their involvement in essential industries, and the cultural vibrancy they add to our community.
I remain committed to championing these principles and ensuring that every member of our community feels welcomed and valued. We recognize that Upper Darby Township's facilities—whether they be community centers, libraries, parks, or other public spaces—continue to be places where all residents, regardless of background, are welcomed, valued, and respected. We want our Township to be a place where diversity is not just tolerated, but celebrated.
Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt further clarified the role of the Upper Darby Police Department in this context. “Our focus as a municipal law enforcement agency is to serve and protect the community by enforcing state and local laws. When an individual commits a crime, they are held accountable under state law, regardless of their citizenship status,” said Superintendent Bernhardt. “If federal offenses or detainers are identified during the course of our duties, we notify and coordinate with the appropriate federal authorities. However, it is important to emphasize that our role does not include proactively targeting individuals based solely on their immigration status or conducting raids against undocumented individuals. While we maintain a commitment to cooperating with all law enforcement agencies, our priority remains ensuring public safety within the scope of our local jurisdiction.”
To further support our diverse community, we have placed a link on the front page of the Township’s website that provides valuable information on immigrant rights and resources.
Upper Darby Township remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all residents, and we will continue to work toward that goal every day. We are committed to preserving the unique and welcoming spirit that makes Upper Darby Township a great place to live, work, and thrive.
Immigrant Resources
The following is a Know Your Rights resource page provided by the ACLU and US Representative Mary Gay Scanlon and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for our immigrant community.
Below are links and contacts for questions and your legal rights.
- National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/
- Knowing Your Rights & What Immigrant Families Can Do Now: Know Your Rights Guide
- What are Red Cards? Red Cards - Tarjetas Rojas
- Be Prepared: ILRC’s Immigration Preparedness Toolkit: Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org/
(Available in: Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian, Mandarin) - Knowing What To Do When Interacting With ICE: We Have Rights - Video in Multiple Languages
- Guaranteed Rights Under The Constitution: Know Your Rights - Immigrant Rights
- ACLU VIDEO: What to do if stopped by police or ICE
Representative Mary Gay Scanlon's Office:
- Website:scanlon.house.gov
- Start a Case: Fill out thePrivacy Release Form
- Satellite Office Hours: A listing of satellite office locations and hours is available on the website.
Additional locations in Philadelphia and western Delaware County will be added soon. https://scanlon.house.gov/contact/satellite-hours.htm - Phone: 610-626-2020
