Bethlehem Police Seek to Work With Homeland Security on Crime Investigations But Not Immigration Enforcement

Sept. 15, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

The Bethlehem Police Department is asking for approval to work with Homeland Security Investigations to fight crime, but not on immigration enforcement.

That request is on City Council’s agenda for tonight. See the message to Council below.

Enforcement of immigration laws has led to protests in some cities. In Bethlehem, some residents objected after U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) arrested 17 workers who were restoring the fire-damaged Five 10 Flats apartments in south Bethlehem.

In a memo to City Council, Police Chief Michelle Kott says the department would benefit from access to federal exertise, funding, training and “interagency coordination opportunities.” That would result from Council approving a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, with Homeland Security.

“It is important to clearly state that this proposed MOU is not for immigration enforcement,” Kott’s memo says.

The agreement would “allow designated Bethlehem Police Department officers to work collaboratively with HSI agents on complex criminal investigations that impact our community and the broader region. These investigations may include. but are not limited to. human trafficking. child predator investigations, drug smuggling. cybercrime, financial fraud, and export violations,” the memo says.

City Council will meet today, Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Town Hall. Council will also consider Kott’s request to charge more for certain police records.

The entire submission is available on the city website. Below is the first page: