Law enforcement agencies are working with ICE to make arrests in Pennsylvania
The partnerships empower law enforcement to question and arrest those suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
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In Pennsylvania, 20 agencies have signed or are waiting to sign the 287(g) agreements, named after a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Of those 20, four are awaiting approval.
Southwestern Pennsylvania has four agencies that have been approved by ICE to enter agreements: sheriff's offices in Butler and Washington counties and Westmoreland County constable's offices in Sewickley Township and Lower Burrell Fourth Ward.
Sewickley Township’s Constable Bruce Zarnick sees it as an educational opportunity that will prepare him to follow federal law.
“I would like to see the community safe,” he said. “I would like to see them see me as an asset to the community, not as somebody out there that's harassing people about stuff, but somebody that, in response to something, is able to make sure that proper laws and procedures are followed."
Critics say the agreements open the door to discrimination. The American Civil Liberties Union called on then-President Joe Biden’s administration to end the program — one of Biden's campaign promises — arguing it erodes trust between local police and community members and could lead to abuses of power.
