Danny Ceisler Credit: Submitted
Bucks County’s new sheriff is moving forward in rejecting his predecessor’s partnership with federal immigration authorities, even as a legal battle over the program continues in multiple courts.
Sheriff Danny Ceisler (D) confirmed he has placed an immediate moratorium on the county’s participation in the federal 287(g) program and will formally withdraw by the end of the month. The move fulfills a top campaign promise after Ceisler defeated Republican former Sheriff Fred Harran in November’s election.
The 287(g) program allowed trained sheriff’s deputies to carry out the responsibilities of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while also maintaining their duties for the county. Harran authorized the agreement last year and had sixteen deputies trained and deputized, arguing the program was a no-cost crimefighting tool limited to illegal immigrants already jailed or wanted on bench warrants.
Despite the change under Ceisler, litigation surrounding the agreement remains active.
The ACLU of Pennsylvania and the Community Justice Project are appealing a Bucks County court ruling that permitted Harran to enter the agreement without approval from the Board of the Bucks County Commissioners. The appeal is now before Superior Court while Bucks County officials are pursuing a related appeal in Commonwealth Court.
The ACLU has dropped claims against Harran personally now that he is out of office, but the case continues against the Sheriff’s Office and other participating sheriffs. Harran has appealed a $35,000 legal fee award in federal court, leaving unanswered questions as to whether taxpayers could be footing the fee.
