BREAKING: Bucks County’s new sheriff, Danny Ceisler, has officially announced the termination of the county’s controversial participation in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287g program. This decisive move fulfills a key campaign promise and is expected to reshape local law enforcement’s approach to immigration issues.
Just days after being sworn in on January 5, 2024, Ceisler confirmed that he has placed a moratorium on the 287g program, which previously allowed trained deputies to enforce federal immigration laws. Ceisler stated he will file the necessary paperwork to withdraw from this federal program by the end of the month, effectively halting any further cooperation with ICE.
The decision comes after former Sheriff Fred Harran lost his re-election bid, which was largely influenced by public backlash against the 287g program. Under Harran’s leadership, 16 officers were trained to act as federal agents, a move that critics claimed led to racial profiling and undermined trust within immigrant communities.
Ceisler’s swift action signals a significant shift in Bucks County’s law enforcement priorities. “This is about rebuilding trust in our communities,” Ceisler stated at a press briefing earlier today. “We will focus on community safety without compromising the rights of our residents.”
However, the fallout from the 287g program continues. A lawsuit initiated by the ACLU of Pennsylvania and the Community Justice Project is still ongoing, challenging the legality of Harran’s contract with the federal government. The groups argue that state law does not grant a sheriff unilateral authority to enter such agreements without county commissioners’ approval. They are appealing a ruling from a Bucks County court in Superior Court.
Despite the program’s termination, the ACLU’s attorney, Stephen Loney, emphasized that their fight is not over. “We are awaiting a briefing schedule with the Commonwealth Court,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the issue. The ACLU has shifted its focus from Harran personally to the broader implications involving the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.
In the midst of these developments, Bucks County officials have filed a counterclaim against Harran, seeking to clarify the financial responsibilities linked to the program. Notably, a pending appeal in the U.S. Third Circuit court involves a $35,000 legal fee awarded to the ACLU after a federal judge determined jurisdiction issues.
As of now, nine other Pennsylvania sheriff offices continue to participate in the 287g program, raising questions about the future of local law enforcement collaboration with ICE statewide. Critics of the program have argued that it not only jeopardized community safety but also placed taxpayers at risk for potential lawsuits.
The broader implications of Ceisler’s decision could resonate well beyond Bucks County, potentially influencing other sheriff’s offices across Pennsylvania. As the situation develops, residents and activists alike will be watching closely to see how this change impacts community relations and the legal landscape surrounding immigration enforcement.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent story as it unfolds.
