Tamaqua Borough Council took the first steps to join a program that would allow borough police to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

During Tuesday’s meeting, council voted to have solicitor Anthony Odorizzi begin preparing paperwork needed to participate in ICE’s 287(g) program.

“Again, this motion is just to start paperwork for the process,” council President Brian Connely said.

The motion passed unanimously with no discussion.

According to information from ICE, the 287(g) program allows law enforcement agencies to enforce certain parts of U.S. immigration law.

Through it, police departments would have the authority to identify and process illegal immigrants with pending or active criminal charges; enforce limited immigration authorities with ICE oversight; and serve and execute administrative warrants on illegal immigrants who are incarcerated.

“The 287(g) Program benefits state and local law enforcement agencies in several ways — but most notably, it helps you keep your community safe from potentially dangerous criminal aliens,” according to information from ICE.

Through the program, law enforcement officers receive access to ICE resources and training, ICE notes.

The motion regarding the program was added after Councilwoman Kathy Kunkel motioned to amend the agenda.