Harran defends ICE partnership as court battle continues
Harran defends ICE partnership as court battle continues
Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran told a county judge Friday that his partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not have a financial impact on local taxpayers. Harran testified for a second day in hearings over his 287(g) agreement with ICE, a federal program which involves local police in identifying and detaining illegal immigrants. Civil rights groups, led by the ACLU of Pennsylvania, are suing to block Harran from moving forward, arguing the pact promotes racial profiling and harms community trust. Harran countered that ICE now reimburses cooperating departments for salaries, equipment, and even provides performance awards — meaning county residents would not be accountable for the bill. Harran calls it “zero cost.” The county’s Democrat-led Board of Commissioners has heavily criticized the agreement, voting 2-1 to declare it an inappropriate use of resources. Harran, a Republican looking to be reelected in November, says politics and media spin have distorted his intentions. He testified that deputies will not patrol neighborhoods questioning residents but will instead check immigration status only after individuals come into contact with his office for alleged crimes. The hearings, before Judge Jeffrey Trauger, continue as both sides prepare written arguments. A decision is expected by the end of October. Mass immigration advocates testified that the possibility of the program becoming a reality has created fear in Bucks County.
State Treasury: Billions in unclaimed property awaiting owners
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department is urging residents to take a closer look at what the state may be holding in their name, as more than $5 billion in unclaimed property is currently available to be returned. Julie Peachey, deputy state treasurer for consumer Pprograms, spoke about the initiative during a recent WBCB broadcast from State Senator Frank Farry’s (R) Senior Expo in Bucks County. She emphasized that the Treasury’s mission is not to keep the money, but to reunite it with its rightful owners. “We have $5 billion of property or funds for Pennsylvanians, and we have a website you can search on to find money for yourself, friends, family and organizations,” Peachey explained. “We even have unclaimed funds for nonprofit organizations and volunteer firefighter organizations.” Unclaimed property can take many forms, including forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, insurance payouts, or the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. Each year, businesses and financial institutions are required by law to turn over dormant accounts and other unclaimed items to the state, where they are safeguarded until claimed. For many families, especially those feeling the pinch from inflation, the discovery of unclaimed funds could provide a timely financial boost.
Warminster man charged in child exploitation case
A Warminster man faces serious charges after investigators uncovered large volumes of child sexual abuse material tied to his Snapchat account. Bucks County Detectives, working with Bensalem Police, say 29-year-old Kyle Binder was identified through a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A search of his social media records and electronic devices revealed numerous images and videos depicting prepubescent children in sexual acts. Binder turned himself in on September 25. He has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse of children and related offenses. District Justice Michael Gallagher ordered him held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $500,000 bail. Bucks County detectives say the investigation is ongoing.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
