Judge upholds sheriff’s ICE cooperation agreement – Bucks Round-Up – October 16, 2025
Judge upholds sheriff’s ICE cooperation agreement
A Bucks County judge has cleared the way for Sheriff Fred Harran to move forward with his office’s limited cooperation agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The ruling by Judge Jeffrey Trauger dismisses a lawsuit from several advocacy groups and a county resident seeking to block the 287(g) partnership. Trauger found the plaintiffs lacked legal standing and that the agreement did not require approval from the Bucks County Commissioners. The decision allows Harran, a Republican seeking reelection, to implement the “Task Force Model” of the 287(g) program, which permits fifteen specially trained deputies to assist ICE with immigration processing and transport duties. The sheriff has emphasized that his deputies will not conduct immigration raids but will instead focus on individuals already charged with crimes. Harran released a statement concerning the judge’s ruling. “Today’s court ruling is a victory for the law-abiding residents of Bucks County and a validation of a common-sense approach to public safety which fully leverages partnerships and resources to keep our communities safe. This decision affirms our ability to use this simple tool to ensure individuals who commit crimes in our county are held fully accountable — regardless of their immigration status. Now that the court has affirmed our position, we can move past these distractions and continue our mission to protect the families of Bucks County.” The Democratic majority on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners has argued the sheriff acted without proper authorization. Plaintiffs in the case represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, including the nonprofit Make the Road Pennsylvania, said they would appeal, vowing to continue fighting what they describe as “an illegal and dangerous” policy.
Perkasie man sentenced in DUI death of firefighter
A Perkasie man will spend three to six years in state prison for the drunken driving crash that killed volunteer firefighter Joseph Kay of Plumsteadville. Colin John Wahlers, 26, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI and other charges after fleeing police during a high-speed chase in Hilltown Township last year. Judge Jeffrey Finley handed down the sentence following emotional testimony from Kay’s family, who described their grief as “a life sentence.” Wahlers’ blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Prosecutors said his actions were “selfish and reckless.”
Bridge dedicated to fallen Neshaminy graduate
Bucks County recently dedicated Bridge #304 in Middletown Township to U.S. Army First Lt. Lee Fulton Clickner, a Langhorne native and 1963 Neshaminy High School graduate killed in Vietnam in 1969. The ceremony marks the nineteenth such dedication under the county’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, honoring 136 Bucks County residents who lost their lives in the war. At Neshaminy, Clickner became a champion wrestler in 1962. Clickner attended Penn State University to continue in collegiate wrestling and earn a degree. Clickner, who entered the Army in 1968 after working for a time as an accountant, was recognized at the recent Neshaminy School Board meeting. Board member John Allen noted that it’s important to remember Clickner’s service and sacrifice. “He was awarded the Bronze Star, two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts.” The bridge dedicated in the lieutenant’s honor crosses Core Creek along Silver Lake Road. It is the nineteenth county-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War. The county administers the memorial bridge program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
