Key Takeaways
• Federal judge moves Bucks County ICE 287(g) lawsuit back to county court focusing on state law.
• Sheriff Harran signed 287(g) agreement with ICE without Bucks County Commissioners’ approval in May 2025.
• Plaintiffs seek to stop sheriff’s ICE enforcement pending court ruling on legal authority under state law.
A federal judge has ordered that the lawsuit challenging Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran’s participation in the ICE 287(g) program be moved back to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This decision marks a major turning point in a heated legal and political dispute over who has the power to make agreements with federal immigration authorities in the county. The case, which began in June 2025, has drawn attention from local officials, immigrant communities, civil rights groups, and political candidates, all of whom have a stake in how immigration enforcement is handled at the local level.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
On June 27, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA) and the Community Justice Project filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Fred Harran. They claim that Sheriff Harran “unilaterally and illegally” entered into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without getting approval from the Bucks County Commissioners. The lawsuit was first filed in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on June 6, 2025. The plaintiffs want the court to stop Sheriff Harran from carrying out any ICE enforcement activities under the 287(g) program and to declare the agreement unlawful.
Sheriff Harran tried to move the case to federal court, saying it involved federal law and should be heard by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. However, a federal judge has now ruled that the case should return to Bucks County court. The judge decided that the main issue is about state law—specifically, whether the sheriff had the authority under Pennsylvania law to make the agreement with ICE.
What Is the ICE 287(g) Program?
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that lets local law enforcement officers help ICE with certain immigration enforcement duties. Under this program, local deputies can be trained and authorized to identify, process, and detain people who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status. The goal, according to supporters, is to improve public safety by removing people who have committed serious crimes and are in the country without permission.
In May 2025, Sheriff Fred Harran signed an agreement with ICE to join the 287(g) program. This would allow about a dozen sheriff’s deputies in Bucks County to help ICE with arrests and other immigration enforcement activities. Sheriff Harran has said that this partnership will make the county safer by giving local law enforcement more tools to deal with crime involving undocumented immigrants.
Why Is There a Lawsuit?
The main issue is whether Sheriff Harran had the legal right to sign the 287(g) agreement on his own. The Bucks County Commissioners passed a resolution on May 21, 2025, saying that only they have the power to make contracts for the county. They pointed to the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, which they say require their approval for any agreement like the one with ICE.
The ACLU-PA and Community Justice Project argue that Sheriff Harran broke the law by acting without the commissioners’ approval. They say this move could harm immigrant communities and undermine trust in local law enforcement. The plaintiffs sent a letter to Sheriff Harran on May 13, 2025, warning him that a lawsuit would be filed if he did not withdraw the ICE application. Despite this warning, ICE approved the agreement, and the sheriff moved forward.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
This legal battle involves several important groups and individuals, each with their own perspective:
- Sheriff Fred Harran: He supports the 287(g) agreement, saying it will help keep Bucks County safe. Sheriff Harran and his legal team believe the case should be heard in federal court because it involves federal immigration law.
- Bucks County Commissioners: They strongly oppose the sheriff’s decision, saying he does not have the authority to make such agreements without their approval. The commissioners argue that the sheriff’s ICE partnership is unauthorized and should be stopped.
- ACLU of Pennsylvania and Community Justice Project: These groups are leading the lawsuit. They say the sheriff acted illegally and that his actions could hurt immigrant communities. They want the court to stop the sheriff from working with ICE under the 287(g) program.
- Local Activists and Community Members: Many in the community are worried about the sheriff’s involvement with ICE. They fear it could lead to racial profiling, civil rights violations, and a loss of trust between immigrants and the police.
- Political Figures: Danny Ceisler, a Democrat running against Sheriff Harran in the upcoming election, has criticized the sheriff for focusing on immigration enforcement instead of other local priorities, like serving outstanding warrants.
Legal and Policy Implications
The lawsuit is not just about immigration enforcement—it’s also about who has the power to make important decisions for Bucks County. The case centers on state law, especially the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. These laws say that county commissioners must approve any agreement with other government agencies, including ICE.
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, the sheriff’s 287(g) agreement could be declared invalid. This would mean that local deputies would not be allowed to help ICE with immigration enforcement unless the commissioners approve it. The case also highlights a bigger debate happening across the United States 🇺🇸 about the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement.
How the Legal Process Has Unfolded
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the case has moved through the courts:
- Initial Lawsuit Filing: On June 6, 2025, the ACLU-PA and Community Justice Project filed their lawsuit in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
- Sheriff’s Attempt to Move Case: On June 10, 2025, Sheriff Harran filed an Amended Notice of Removal, trying to move the case to federal court.
- Federal Judge’s Order: After reviewing the case, a federal judge ordered that it be sent back to Bucks County court, saying the main issue is about state law, not federal law.
- Ongoing Litigation: The case will now continue in Bucks County court, where the plaintiffs are asking for an injunction (a court order to stop the sheriff’s ICE activities) and a declaration that the agreement is unlawful.
What Does This Mean for Bucks County?
The outcome of this lawsuit could have a big impact on several groups:
- Immigrant Communities: If the lawsuit succeeds, local law enforcement in Bucks County may stop working with ICE. This could reduce fears of deportation among immigrants and make them more likely to cooperate with local police when reporting crimes or seeking help.
- Sheriff’s Deputies: Deputies who were supposed to join the 287(g) program may not be allowed to perform immigration enforcement duties if the agreement is struck down.
- County Resources: Without the commissioners’ approval, county funds and staff would not be used for ICE enforcement activities. This could free up resources for other law enforcement needs.
Expert Opinions and Broader Context
Legal experts say the case is mainly about state law and the limits of the sheriff’s power. They point out that while the 287(g) program is a federal initiative, the question here is whether the sheriff can make such agreements without the county commissioners’ approval. This is why the federal judge decided the case should be heard in state court.
Civil rights advocates warn that local police involvement in ICE programs can hurt community trust. They argue that when local officers act as immigration agents, immigrants may become afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, making everyone less safe. These groups want strict rules and oversight to prevent abuses.
Supporters of the sheriff’s program, on the other hand, say it helps remove dangerous criminals from the community. They believe that working with ICE is an important tool for keeping the county safe. However, opponents argue that the program can lead to racial profiling and the targeting of people who have not committed serious crimes.
Political and Community Reactions
The debate over the ICE 287(g) program has become a major political issue in Bucks County. Sheriff Harran’s decision to join the program has drawn criticism from local officials, activists, and political opponents. The Bucks County Commissioners have made it clear that they do not support the agreement and believe it is illegal.
Danny Ceisler, who is running against Sheriff Harran in the November 2025 election, has used the issue to highlight what he sees as misplaced priorities in the sheriff’s office. He argues that the focus should be on local law enforcement needs, not on federal immigration enforcement.
Community groups and activists have organized protests and public meetings to voice their concerns. Many residents worry that the 287(g) program could make immigrants feel unsafe and less likely to participate in community life.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit will now move forward in Bucks County court. The plaintiffs are asking for an injunction to stop the sheriff’s ICE activities while the case is being decided. If the court rules in their favor, the sheriff’s agreement with ICE could be declared invalid.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other counties in Pennsylvania and possibly beyond. It will help define the limits of a sheriff’s power and clarify the role of county commissioners in making agreements with federal agencies.
The case may also influence other counties that are considering joining the 287(g) program. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, it could make it harder for local sheriffs to enter into similar agreements without approval from their county governments.
Resources for More Information
- For official statements and resolutions, visit the Bucks County Board of Commissioners.
- To learn more about the 287(g) program and its requirements, see the ICE 287(g) Program Overview.
- For legal filings and updates on the lawsuit, check the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Community Justice Project websites.
Practical Guidance for Residents
If you live in Bucks County and are concerned about how this case might affect you or your family, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed by following updates from the Bucks County Commissioners and the sheriff’s office.
- If you are an immigrant or work with immigrant communities, reach out to local advocacy groups like the ACLU-PA or Community Justice Project for support and information.
- Attend public meetings or contact your local officials to share your views on the 287(g) program and local law enforcement priorities.
- If you have legal questions about your rights or immigration status, consult with a qualified immigration attorney or trusted community organization.
Looking Ahead
The legal fight over Sheriff Fred Harran’s participation in the ICE 287(g) program is far from over. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the case is being closely watched by officials, activists, and residents across Pennsylvania. The court’s decision will not only affect Bucks County but could also shape how other counties handle immigration enforcement in the future.
With the November 2025 sheriff’s election approaching, the outcome of this case could also influence local politics and the direction of law enforcement in the county. For now, the focus remains on the Bucks County court, where the next chapter in this important legal battle will unfold.
Conclusion
The dispute over the ICE 287(g) program in Bucks County highlights the complex relationship between local and federal authorities when it comes to immigration enforcement. It raises important questions about who has the power to make decisions that affect the entire community and how those decisions impact public safety, civil rights, and trust in law enforcement.
As the case moves forward, residents, officials, and advocates will be watching closely to see how the courts decide—and what that means for the future of immigration policy in Bucks County and beyond.
Learn Today
287(g) program → A federal program allowing local law enforcement to assist ICE with immigration enforcement duties.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws.
Injunction → A court order requiring someone to stop a specific action, like ICE enforcement by the sheriff.
County Commissioners → Elected officials responsible for county governance and contract approvals in Pennsylvania.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Act → A Pennsylvania law requiring county commissioners’ approval for agreements with other agencies.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge ruled Bucks County’s ICE 287(g) lawsuit involves state law, sending it back to local court. Sheriff Harran’s unauthorized agreement with ICE faces legal challenge, raising vital questions about local authority and community trust in immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
