Overview
- Judge Jeffrey Trauger ruled the sheriff’s cooperation with ICE is lawful and described it as “reasonable and necessary.”
- The court dismissed the ACLU lawsuit for lack of standing and concluded the memorandum of understanding is not an enforceable contract requiring commissioners’ approval.
- The decision affirms that Pennsylvania sheriffs are independent constitutional officers who may coordinate directly with federal agencies.
- Sheriff Fred Harran signed the broad 287(g) Task Force Model but says deputies will limit checks to people already in custody or wanted in criminal cases.
- The ACLU and county officials said they will appeal, while Harran expects the program to be operational by the end of next week.