Police in Pottsville may become the latest agency in Schuylkill County to enroll in an ICE program that gives officers limited immigration law enforcement power.
City Council members are expected to vote Monday on whether or not to enroll in the federal agency’s 287(g) Task Force Model program. The council’s regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at City Hall.
Under the Task Force Model, local police can perform limited immigration enforcement duties during their routine operations or as active participants in an ICE-led task force. This includes the authority to interrogate individuals and make warrantless arrests based on suspected immigration violations, allowing officers to “identify and report suspected aliens not charged with crimes”.
Regarding program funding, ICE promotional materials indicate that participating agencies may receive federal reimbursements, including $100,000 for vehicles, $7,500 per trained officer for equipment, and partial salary coverage. However, the program’s legally binding Memorandum of Agreement stipulates that local agencies are responsible for the personnel and operational expenses of carrying out these duties. The agreement also notes that the local agency’s obligations remain in effect whether or not it actually receives financial reimbursement through a federal grant.
Schuylkill County Law Enforcement Agencies in ICE 287(g) Task Force Model
There are currently 7 other law enforcement agencies in Schuylkill County that have signed a Memorandum of Agreement in the ICE 287(g) Task Force Model program. They’re part of a group of 987 agencies in 32 states that have joined.
Here’s a listing of those agencies in Schuylkill County:
- Frackville Borough
- Mahanoy City Borough
- Mahanoy Township
- Orwigsburg Borough
- Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office
- Schuylkill Haven Borough
- Shenandoah Borough
Pine Grove Borough Council members were supposed to consider whether to join or not but it never came to a vote.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...