Norristown businesses defend police against critical report
A group of Latino business-people in Norristown say they disagree with a report blaming the borough’s police for pursuing immigration actions against undocumented residents.
The report, published by the nonprofit Juntos, collected stories from residents about the borough police role in Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and detentions.
During a recent meeting, Erika Almiron of Juntos presented the group’s list of recommendations.
“We ask that the Norristown Police Department immediately stop racially profiling community members and asking for papers,” Almiron said.
Some residents see it differently. This week, a group of business owners organized a response and held a news conference on Thursday in support of police.
Eli Nogueda and his wife run a grocery in Norristown.
“It upset me,” he said of the report. “I am a resident in Norristown. I’ve been living here and I haven’t seen” what they describe.
Nogueda said he wanted to make it clear the report did not reflect his perspective. He says he also wants to change a negative perception of the borough, which he believes could hurt local businesses.
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