(The Center Square) – If there’s one claim all Pennsylvania politicians can – and often do – rely on, it’s that the divided state government forces them to work in a bipartisan manner.
It’s also the reason that many reforms are out of reach and many bills seem to serve political rather than legislative aims, including those responding to the national fight over the Trump administration’s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This time, a bill comes from Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, whose brand of conservatism often clashes with the state’s Democratic leadership, most notably in his failed bid for governor against then Attorney General, now Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The clash continues as Mastriano puts forward legislation that would promise cooperation with federal law enforcement even as Shapiro’s re-election campaign centers state sovereignty and resistance to federal overreach.
A memo circulated last week invites senators to join in co-sponsoring a bill which would “require all Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies-including state, local, county, and campus police-to fully cooperate with federal law enforcement authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF when they are carrying out the duties required to enforce federal law.”
Mastriano is joined by Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, and Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon, on the bill.
“Pennsylvania must maintain strong partnerships with federal law enforcement to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and prevent the creation of sanctuary jurisdictions that undermine enforcement efforts,” reads the Senate memo. “This bill ensures clarity, accountability, and constitutional compliance while promoting cooperation across all levels of law enforcement.”
It’s already a divisive issue in the state. The commonwealth’s two largest metropolitan areas, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, have policies limiting cooperation with ICE and protecting immigrant residents, though Mayor Cherelle Parker has been tight-lipped on criticism of the Trump administration. Meanwhile, 51 different local law enforcement agencies within Pennsylvania have signed agreements partnering with ICE through its 287(g) program.
Conditions on the ground in Minneapolis where ICE has undertaken a massive operation, including the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Good, have some citizens and agencies alike questioning those partnerships. Last week, Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler ended his agency’s partnership with ICE, though he reiterated that they are not a sanctuary jurisdiction and would continue to cooperate with ICE on violent crime.
“When large numbers of our residents are afraid to call 911, or come to court and testify, that makes our entire community less safe,” said Ceisler. “This is not a public safety problem for immigrants. This is a public safety problem for everyone.”
That safety may include ICE agents themselves who have seen huge upticks in attacks as their operations – and the backlash to them – have increased nationwide.
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s viral comments echoed frustrations expressed by protesters. Disparaging the organization as “fake wanna be law enforcement,” the officer warned, “You don’t want this smoke.” Meanwhile, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has threatened to arrest and prosecute ICE officers for violations of the law.
In July, Senate Democrats introduced the ‘No Secret Police’ bill, which would prohibit ICE agents from covering their faces while operating within the state.
“Our communities are living in fear as anonymous, unidentifiable law enforcement officers separate loved ones, attack workers and small businesses, and hollow out our public spaces,” said Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Public safety requires a foundation of trust and communication, and this cannot be achieved when officers conceal their appearances and identities during the course of their duties.”