Trendpills
Voters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, have ousted incumbent Republican Sheriff Fred Harran in a recent election, a result widely attributed to his decision to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Harran was defeated by his Democratic challenger, Daniel Kuhn, who made ending the controversial collaboration a central part of his campaign.
Earlier this year, Sheriff Harran enrolled his office in the federal 287(g) program. This agreement allows specially trained local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, such as questioning individuals about their immigration status and issuing detainers for those believed to be in the country unlawfully. The partnership became official in May, sparking immediate backlash from civil rights organizations and community advocates.
Opponents argued that the program could lead to racial profiling and would erode the trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making residents less likely to report crimes. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania was among the groups that voiced strong opposition, threatening legal challenges against the measure. These concerns became a focal point of the sheriff's race, with Kuhn pledging to withdraw from the agreement if elected.
The election results suggest that a significant portion of the electorate was mobilized by the immigration issue. Harran’s defeat last week followed months of criticism from rights groups and his political opponent over the partnership he forged with federal authorities. The agreement was criticized for being implemented without broader public or commissioner input.
Upon taking office in January, Sheriff-elect Kuhn is expected to formally terminate the 287(g) agreement. The outcome in Bucks County highlights a broader national debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement, with the contentious ICE partnership in Bucks County set to end following the voters' decision. The election is being interpreted by many as a local referendum on the program itself.
