Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Expands Collaboration with Federal Immigration Agencies

Key Takeaways

• On May 19, 2025, Bucks County Sheriff’s Office signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE for federal immigration enforcement.
• The ACLU of Pennsylvania sued, arguing the agreement lacked county commissioners’ approval and threatens due process rights.
• Bills in state legislature could mandate all Pennsylvania counties to cooperate with ICE and allow lawsuits against officials.

On May 19, 2025, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office took a major step by signing a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move allows local deputies to act with federal authority in immigration matters, including serving and executing arrest warrants for immigration violations. The decision has sparked immediate legal and political reactions, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA) announcing plans to challenge the agreement in court. This development marks a turning point in how Pennsylvania law enforcement works with federal immigration authorities, raising important questions about public safety, community trust, and the rights of immigrants.

What Is the 287(g) Agreement and Why Does It Matter?

The 287(g) program is a partnership between local law enforcement agencies and ICE. Under this agreement, local officers receive special training from ICE and are given the power to enforce certain federal immigration laws. This includes the ability to:

• Serve and execute ICE arrest warrants
• Place immigration detainers (requests to hold someone for ICE)
• Begin removal (deportation) proceedings for people suspected of being in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office is the first in Pennsylvania to formalize such an agreement in 2025, but other counties—Lancaster, Bradford, and Franklin—have signaled they may follow. According to ICE, there are now over 500 active 287(g) agreements across the United States 🇺🇸, a number that has grown quickly since the start of the year.

Immediate Legal Challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania wasted no time in responding. Senior attorney Stephen Loney argued that the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office acted without the required approval from county commissioners, making the agreement unlawful. The ACLU also raised concerns about due process, warning that people could be detained or deported without proper legal protections. The group announced plans to file a lawsuit, which could delay or even overturn the agreement.

Sheriff’s Office Defends the Move

Sheriff Fred Harran of Bucks County defended the 287(g) agreement, saying it is focused only on individuals with serious criminal charges. He stressed that deputies will not target people for minor offenses or conduct general immigration status checks. The Sheriff’s Office says the goal is to remove dangerous individuals from the community, not to go after ordinary immigrants.

Growing Divide Among Pennsylvania Counties

Not all counties in Pennsylvania agree with this approach. While Bucks County has formalized its partnership with ICE, other counties are taking different paths:

• Lancaster, Bradford, and Franklin Counties: Sheriffs have shown interest in working with ICE, but details are still unclear and no formal agreements have been signed yet.
• Montgomery County: Commissioners have publicly refused to sign any collaboration agreements with ICE, showing a clear split in how counties are handling immigration enforcement.

This divide means that immigrants and their families may face very different experiences depending on where they live in Pennsylvania.

New State Legislation: More Pressure to Cooperate with ICE

The push for closer cooperation with ICE is not just happening at the county level. In April 2025, Representative Craig Williams introduced a bill that would allow private citizens to sue public officials who do not honor ICE detainers or who release undocumented immigrants. This bill would remove the usual legal protections (governmental immunity) that shield officials from lawsuits, making them personally responsible for any harm that results.

Another bill, House Bill 403, was introduced in January 2025. It would require all local governments in Pennsylvania to work with federal immigration authorities, blocking any local policies that limit cooperation with ICE. If these bills become law, they could force every county and city in the state to follow the same rules, ending the current patchwork of policies.

How the 287(g) Program Works: Step-by-Step

To help readers understand what the 287(g) program means in practice, here is a simple breakdown of how it works:

1. Agreement Signing: The local law enforcement agency (like the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office) signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ICE.
2. Training: Selected deputies receive training from ICE on immigration law and enforcement procedures.
3. Delegation of Authority: Deputies are given the power to perform certain immigration enforcement tasks, such as serving warrants or placing detainers.
4. Operational Scope: The agreement may limit activities to jail settings (Jail Enforcement Model) or allow broader enforcement in the community (Task Force Model).
5. Oversight: ICE oversees the program and can end the agreement at any time.

For more details about the 287(g) program and a list of participating agencies, readers can visit the official ICE 287(g) program page.

What Does This Mean for Immigrant Communities?

For many immigrants and their families, the expansion of the 287(g) program brings fear and uncertainty. Community advocates report that people are more afraid to report crimes, seek help from the police, or even go about their daily lives. There are worries about racial profiling, family separation, and the risk of being detained for minor issues.

Some examples of these concerns include:

• Reluctance to Report Crimes: Immigrants may avoid calling the police, even if they are victims or witnesses, because they fear being questioned about their immigration status.
• Family Separation: Parents worry about being detained and separated from their children, especially if they are picked up for minor offenses.
• Racial Profiling: There are concerns that people may be targeted based on their appearance, language, or accent, rather than any actual wrongdoing.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these fears are not unfounded. Studies show that when local police work closely with ICE, trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities drops, making it harder to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.

Supporters Say It’s About Public Safety

On the other side, supporters of the 287(g) program argue that it is necessary to remove dangerous individuals from the community. They point to high-profile crimes involving undocumented immigrants as proof that closer cooperation with ICE is needed. Representative Craig Williams and Sheriff Harran both say that the focus is on people with serious criminal records, not on ordinary immigrants.

Supporters also argue that local law enforcement should not ignore federal immigration laws and that working with ICE helps uphold the rule of law.

Legal Experts and Civil Rights Concerns

Legal experts, including those from the American Civil Liberties Union, warn that local collaboration with ICE can expose counties to lawsuits and legal risks. They argue that detaining people for ICE without a proper warrant may violate constitutional rights, such as the right to due process. The ACLU also points out that the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office may have acted without proper approval, which could make the agreement invalid.

If the ACLU’s lawsuit succeeds, it could set a precedent that affects other counties considering similar agreements.

Impact on Local Governments and Law Enforcement

Local governments now face tough choices. If the Williams bill or House Bill 403 passes, officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE could be sued and held personally responsible for any harm that results. This creates pressure for counties to align with federal immigration enforcement, even if local leaders or residents disagree.

Law enforcement leaders are also divided. Some police chiefs worry that focusing on immigration enforcement distracts from their main job—keeping the community safe. They say that when people are afraid of the police, it becomes harder to solve crimes and protect everyone.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The 287(g) program was created in 1996 as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows ICE to give some of its powers to local law enforcement agencies. Over the years, the program has grown and changed, depending on the priorities of different presidential administrations.

In recent years, many cities and counties in Pennsylvania adopted “sanctuary” policies, which limit cooperation with ICE. These policies were meant to build trust with immigrant communities and focus local police on local crimes, not federal immigration enforcement.

However, with the start of President Trump’s second term, there has been a renewed push for local-federal collaboration on immigration. Pennsylvania is now moving toward greater alignment with federal priorities, with more counties considering 287(g) agreements.

What Happens Next?

The future of immigration enforcement in Pennsylvania is uncertain. Several key developments could shape what happens next:

• Legal Challenge: The ACLU’s lawsuit against the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office could delay or overturn the 287(g) agreement. If successful, it may stop other counties from signing similar deals.
• State Legislation: If House Bill 403 or the Williams bill becomes law, all local governments in Pennsylvania may be required to work with ICE. This would end the current system where each county decides for itself.
• Policy Fragmentation: Until the courts or legislature decide, Pennsylvania will likely remain a patchwork of different policies, with some counties working closely with ICE and others refusing.

Key Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Now has the power to enforce certain federal immigration laws under the 287(g) agreement.
• ICE: Provides training, oversight, and authority to local deputies.
• American Civil Liberties Union: Leading the legal challenge and advocating for immigrant rights.
• County Commissioners: Some support the agreement, while others oppose it or worry about legal risks.
• State Legislators: Introducing bills to require cooperation with ICE and allow lawsuits against non-cooperating officials.
• Immigrant Communities: Directly affected by changes in enforcement, facing increased fear and uncertainty.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families

If you or someone you know lives in a county considering a 287(g) agreement, here are some steps to consider:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from your local sheriff’s office, county commissioners, and advocacy groups like the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
• Know Your Rights: Learn about your legal rights if stopped or questioned by law enforcement. The ACLU provides helpful resources at aclupa.org.
• Seek Legal Help: If you are facing immigration issues, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted advocacy group.
• Report Concerns: If you believe your rights have been violated, report it to the ACLU or another legal organization.

Summary Table: Key Developments in Pennsylvania Law Enforcement–ICE Collaboration

Where to Find More Information

• Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: For questions about the 287(g) agreement, contact the office directly.
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives: For legislative updates, visit the official Pennsylvania General Assembly website.
• ACLU of Pennsylvania: For legal resources and advocacy, visit aclupa.org.
• ICE 287(g) Program: For program details and participating agencies, see the ICE official website.

Conclusion: What Should Readers Do Now?

The decision by the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office to join the 287(g) program has set off a wave of legal, political, and community responses. With new state laws being considered and other counties watching closely, the future of immigration enforcement in Pennsylvania remains uncertain. Immigrants, advocates, and local officials should stay informed, know their rights, and be ready to respond as the situation develops. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of these legal and legislative battles will shape the lives of thousands of families across the state for years to come.

Learn Today

287(g) Agreement → A partnership allowing local law enforcement to perform specified federal immigration enforcement tasks.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency policing immigration violations.
Detainers → Requests by ICE asking local authorities to hold individuals for possible immigration enforcement.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) → A formal document outlining the terms of cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.
Due Process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

This Article in a Nutshell

Bucks County formalized a 287(g) agreement enabling local deputies to enforce federal immigration laws. This sparked legal challenges by ACLU-PA, raising concerns about immigrants’ rights and public safety, amid growing statewide debate on law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Future state legislation may force uniform immigration enforcement policies in Pennsylvania.
— By VisaVerge.com