NAACP Bucks County’s Response to Sheriff Danny Ceisler’s Announcement Regarding 287(g)

January 14, 2026

The NAACP Bucks County acknowledges Sheriff Danny Ceisler’s announcement that he has officially ended Bucks County’s participation in the 287(g) program and withdrawn local deputies from formal collaboration with ICE. This action reflects what our community has consistently demanded: that local law enforcement not be deputized to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

While the sheriff cannot unilaterally keep ICE out of Bucks County, what he can do—and has done—is refuse to use local deputies as an extension of federal immigration enforcement. Ending the involvement of 16 deputies is not symbolic; it removes a direct pathway for racial profiling, fear-based policing, and the erosion of community trust.

We also appreciate the sheriff’s decision to formalize that individuals cannot be asked about their immigration status when coming to the courthouse. Courthouses must remain places where people can access justice without fear. No one should have to choose between participating in the legal system and protecting their family.

As the sheriff stated, his office will now return to standard practices in how it interacts with ICE. This includes not responding to ICE detainers and acting only in response to court-issued warrants, as required by law. This distinction is critical and aligns with constitutional protection and due process.

At the same time, we appreciate the sheriff’s candor in naming the limits of his authority.

However, this moment also makes clear that the end of 287(g) is not the end of ICE activity in Bucks County. Families remain vulnerable. Fear does not disappear overnight. Accountability must extend beyond a single agreement.

For these reasons, the NAACP Bucks County will continue to:

 • Monitor law enforcement practices and their impact on Black, Brown, and immigrant communities

 • Advocate for transparency, oversight, and policies that protect civil and human rights

 • Work with community partners to ensure residents know their rights and feel safe accessing public institutions

Ending 287(g) is a necessary step—but it is not sufficient on its own. Public safety is built on trust, dignity, and equal protection under the law, not on policies that place entire communities under suspicion.

We remain committed to ensuring that Bucks County is a place where everyone can live, work, and seek justice without fear.

The work continues.

—

Adrienne King

President

NAACP Bucks County