The City of York is reaffirming its commitment to community trust and effective local policing by announcing that it does not plan to enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This clarification comes after recent news that West York Borough has chosen to sign such an agreement.
City officials emphasized that York’s approach to public safety relies on strong relationships between residents and local law enforcement. Entering into a 287(g) agreement, under which local officers are deputized to perform certain federal immigration enforcement functions, would undermine that trust, city leaders said.
“Public safety depends on people feeling safe coming forward,” said York City Mayor Sandie Walker. “When residents fear that interacting with local police could lead to immigration consequences, they stop reporting crimes, they stop cooperating as witnesses, and our entire community becomes less safe. Our focus is on building trust, not creating barriers.”
The City of York will continue to follow all applicable federal and state laws while maintaining its longstanding practice of allowing local law enforcement to prioritize community policing, emergency response, and crime prevention – not federal immigration enforcement. Because Pennsylvania does not mandate participation in the 287(g) program, the City of York will not be taking part.
“Our officers are here to protect and serve everyone who lives in or visits York,” Mayor Walker added. “We believe that trust is one of the most powerful tools we have, and we are committed to preserving it.”
