UPDATE: Bucks County’s newly elected Sheriff Danny Ceisler has just announced the immediate termination of the county’s participation in the controversial 287g program, fulfilling a key campaign promise. Following his swearing-in on January 5, 2023, Ceisler confirmed he has placed a moratorium on the program, which previously allowed local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents.
Ceisler’s decision to withdraw from this federal program, previously authorized by former Sheriff Fred Harran, aims to restore trust within the community and protect immigrant rights. The 287g program has faced significant backlash for allegations of racial profiling and eroding relations between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
While the county’s withdrawal from the program is underway, a lawsuit challenging the legality of the 287g agreement continues to unfold. The ACLU of Pennsylvania and the Community Justice Project are actively appealing a Bucks County court ruling that permitted the program without proper approval from county commissioners.
Ceisler’s swift action reflects a growing demand for reform in how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration enforcement. The ACLU’s attorney, Stephen Loney, stated, “We are currently awaiting a briefing schedule with the Commonwealth Court.” He confirmed that the ACLU is no longer pursuing claims against Harran personally since he is no longer in office but will continue against the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.
Despite the program’s end, nine other sheriff’s offices across Pennsylvania remain engaged with 287g initiatives, according to ICE. Bucks County officials continue to pursue their own appeal in Commonwealth Court against Harran, who lost his re-election bid to Ceisler amid these controversies.
Harran had defended the 287g program as a necessary crime-fighting tool, asserting that it would not cost taxpayers and would focus solely on undocumented immigrants already incarcerated. However, critics argue that the program’s potential for abuse and its implications on community trust far outweigh any purported benefits.
Just last year, Harran’s administration had initiated limited steps towards implementing the program, which was ultimately stalled due to a lack of necessary resources and equipment.
As this situation develops, local residents and advocacy groups are watching closely. The impact of Ceisler’s decision may extend beyond Bucks County, as similar programs are scrutinized across the nation.
This breaking news underlines a pivotal moment for immigration policy at the local level, revealing the critical intersection of community safety and immigrant rights.
What happens next? As Ceisler files the necessary paperwork to officially withdraw from 287g, the community anticipates both the immediate effects on local law enforcement practices and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the previous administration’s actions. The outcome of the appeal could reshape how immigration enforcement is approached in Pennsylvania and potentially set precedents for other jurisdictions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent and developing story.
