Page 9 - PCPA Spring 2026 Bulletin Magazine

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE (CONTINUED)
1. Do we have a formal 287(g) agreement in place?
2. Are we treating detainers as requests—or as
mandates?
3. Do we require a judicial warrant before holding
someone past release?
4. Have we updated policies to reflect Galarza and
subsequent Third Circuit rulings?
5. Have supervisors been trained on constitutional
limits?
6. Have elected officials authorized this level of
cooperation where required?
These are governance decisions as much as policing
decisions.
The Bottom Line
In my view, “playing nice with ICE” requires precision—
not politics.
• Delegation through 287(g) provides structured
authority but comes with federal oversight and
defined limits.
• Cooperation without formal delegation must be
carefully evaluated under Third Circuit precedent.
•
ICE detainers are requests—not commands.
• Local agencies can—and have—been held
liable for constitutional violations arising from
immigration-related detentions.
As Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of
Police Association, my responsibility is to ensure our
members lead with clarity, constitutional fidelity, and
sound policy.
Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
When local agencies engage, they must do so
deliberately, lawfully, and with full awareness of the
risks. Our duty—first and always—is to uphold the
Constitution while protecting the communities we are
sworn to serve.
SPRING 2026 BULLETIN
Scott L. Bohn
Scott L. Bohn, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association
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