Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler officially ended the collaborative agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday. This decision was driven by concerns regarding public safety and the necessity to rebuild trust with the county’s immigrant population, which exceeds 50,000 residents. Ceisler emphasized the importance of ensuring community safety, stating, “When large numbers of our residents are afraid to call 911 or come to court and testify, that makes our entire community less safe.”
Bucks County Sheriff Terminates ICE Collaboration Agreement
Ceisler’s recent order ensures that sheriff’s deputies are now barred from inquiring about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, and court attendees. This move marks a significant shift from previous policy, as former Sheriff Fred Harran entered into a 287(g) agreement with ICE last spring that faced significant backlash.
Background of the Collaboration Agreement
- The 287(g) agreement allowed local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement.
- Harran’s agreement triggered a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which claimed he lacked the authority to sign it without the county commissioners’ approval.
- A judge upheld Harran’s authority to enter into the agreement but Ceisler campaigned on the issue and pledged to withdraw from it during the 2025 elections.
Ceisler, a U.S. Army veteran, successfully defeated Harran in the elections with more than 55% of the vote. He stated, “This is what was on voters’ minds, and we won, and we won handily.” The decision to terminate the agreement aligns with his campaign promises and reflects the sentiments of many voters who prioritized this issue.
Community Reaction
Immigrant rights advocate Heidi Roux, a resident of Bucks County, expressed relief following the sheriff’s announcement. She noted that the previous agreement had instilled fear among community members, discouraging them from seeking help in emergencies or attending court. Roux remarked, “Violent criminals should absolutely be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their immigration status.”
This decision is viewed as a significant step towards enhancing public safety and ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity and respect. The sheriff’s office aims to focus on a unified goal of justice while maintaining the human rights of all community members.
