Amid the ongoing debate over immigration policy, a specific tool for enforcement is gaining attention across the United States. Known as a 287(g) agreement, this mechanism allows local police to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws.
The Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996 includes section 287(g), which empowers the U.S. Attorney General to collaborate with state and local law enforcement agencies. Local officers receive training from ICE to handle immigration issues and can be reimbursed for related expenses.
IMMIGRATION: AMERICAN DREAM OR NIGHTMARE?
This three-day WVIA News series focuses on the effects of federal immigration policy on Northeast and Central Pennsylvania.
● TODAY: The nation’s clash over immigration policy is felt in region. Also: 287(g) agreements explained.
● SUNDAY: A young Scranton mother faces future after husband was deported.
● MONDAY: Planned Pa. detention centers, including one in Schuylkill County, raise concerns. Also: Pike County finds ICE detentions lucrative.
● KEYSTONE EDITION BROADCAST: Watch our panel discussion at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 on WVIA-TV.
Participation Grows in Local Police Forces
Although the 287(g) program has existed for decades, it saw increased adoption following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July. This legislation earmarks $170.7 billion for border enforcement, including $3.5 billion in grants for state and local agencies participating in immigration enforcement.
ICE reports indicate that as of last week, 1,784 agreements were in place across 39 states and two U.S. territories. This number marks a significant increase since January 2025, when President Donald Trump took office.
In Pennsylvania alone, 88 law enforcement agencies are now involved, with 29 located within WVIA’s 22-county coverage area. More details can be found on ICE’s webpage.
Training and Financial Incentives
Shamokin Police Chief Ray Siko recently initiated a partnership with ICE, approved by the City Council. Siko emphasized the dual benefits of this agreement: enhanced training for officers and potential financial gains for the borough.
“There’s a lot of training available with this,” Siko noted. “I want these guys to be able to – whether it’s equipment or anything — they need to do the job better.”
Debate Arises in Hazleton
On April 28, Hazleton City Council approved a 287(g) agreement for its 23 police officers, sparking controversy. Opponents, including Make the Road Pennsylvania and the NAACP Luzerne County branch, argued that the agreement could lead to racial profiling and unconstitutional detentions.
Council President James Perry assured residents that the agreement aims to ensure public safety without violating rights. “We’re not racial profiling. We have not done that in the past. We don’t intend to do that,” he stated. “Our goal as council is the protection and safety of the citizens.”
Local business owner Alexandra Mendez believes the agreement could benefit immigrants by fostering trust with familiar local officers. “People coming from outside won’t know you. As immigrants, the first thing we have to learn is to respect the laws,” she said.
Wyoming County’s Strategic Move
Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters, with extensive experience in law enforcement cooperation, views the 287(g) program as a strategic enhancement. He stated, “This is to enable a local officer…to handle it within the rights of the individual and to prevent all of the missteps that everybody is concerned with.”
Active Enforcement in Schuylkill County
In March, the Mahanoy Township Police Department joined the program. Chief Jody Long endorsed it as beneficial but referred further inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security. The department has reported arrests for immigration violations, including a recent operation that involved checking trucks for safety and immigration compliance.
Participating Agencies in the Region
The following agencies in WVIA’s 22-county area have engaged or are seeking 287(g) agreements:
- BRADFORD (3): County sheriff’s office; Sayre Borough Police Department; Troy Twp. state constable.
- COLUMBIA (3): Benton Borough Police Department; Locust Twp. Police Department; Orange Twp. Police Department.
- LUZERNE (4): Hazleton Police Department; County district attorney’s office; Salem Twp. Police Department; West Hazleton Police Department.
- LYCOMING (3): Hughesville Police Department; Montoursville Police Department; Muncy Police Department.
- MONTOUR (2): Mahoning Twp. Police Department; county sheriff’s office.
- NORTHUMBERLAND (2): Mount Carmel Twp. Police Department; Shamokin City Police Department.
- PIKE (2): Milford Borough Police Department; Shohola Twp. Constable Office.
- SCHUYLKILL (8): Frackville Police Department; Kline Twp. Police Department; Mahanoy City Police Department; Mahanoy Township Police Department; Orwigsburg Police Department; county sheriff’s office; Schuylkill Haven Police Department; Shenandoah Police Department.
- TIOGA (1): Gaines Twp. state constable.
- WYOMING (1): County district attorney’s office.
