(The Center Square) – The question of whether to assist Immigrations and Customs Enforcement with arrests is one that has fallen to local entities and police departments for years, allowing many cities to define themselves as sanctuaries for those working through the immigration process.
With aggressive new federal policies in place, it’s one that has become increasingly galvanizing in Pennsylvania with Republican and Democratic legislators trading support and opposition for the rapidly expanding agency.
Currently, the Pennsylvania State Police have a policy not to assist ICE. Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Braddock, is preparing to introduce a bill that would make that permanent through law. It follows similar legislation introduced by Rep. Heather Boyd, D-Clifton Heights, in August that would prohibit local law enforcement from entering partnerships with ICE.
Both proposals center around agreements under 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows local and state officers to pick up the duties of federal enforcement.
According to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 22 Pennsylvania municipalities already have 287(g) agreements. Virtually all of the agreements listed have been made since President Donald Trump began his second term.
Opponents of the practice say it leaves the community to foot the bill and fosters a lack of trust between law enforcement and the people they’re sworn to protect.
Salisbury acknowledged that PSP has not indicated any plans to change its current policy.
“Policies don’t carry the force of law, however, and they can change over time,” said Salisbury. “With so much at stake, it’s important for us to codify the existing policy, so troopers can focus on their responsibilities to our communities and precious state resources are not diverted to the federal government.”
Those responsibilities are wide and varied. PSP is the sole law enforcement agency in many rural parts of the state. According to the House Appropriations Committee, two thirds of the state rely on PSP for full- or part-time policing.
Since Trump took office, House Republicans have introduced six different bills relating to ICE. Senate Democrats have introduced a bill prohibiting ICE officers from using masks or concealing their identities while performing their duties.
Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, has put forward a bill that would require state prosecutors to notify ICE when working on a case that charges an unauthorized immigrant with a crime. It passed the Senate with three votes from Democrats and currently awaits consideration in the House Judiciary committee.
When contacted by The Center Square, PSP said that it does not comment on pending legislation.
