The Lackawanna County commissioners voted 2-to-1 Wednesday to adopt a formal policy governing how county employees should manage potential interactions with federal immigration authorities. The decision concludes months of intense public discourse, establishing administrative protocols for county staff while attempting to navigate the complex legal boundaries between local governance and federal immigration enforcement.
While the policy aims to provide a roadmap for civilian county workers, it has met immediate resistance from the county’s top law enforcement official. In a statement provided to WILK’S The Rob O'Donnell Show, Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher characterized the move as largely symbolic, noting that participation in the federal 287(g) program is already restricted to law enforcement agencies.
Gallagher made it clear that his office will not adhere to any guidelines that limit the autonomy of his investigators. He stated that although his office does not participate in the 287(g) program, he will not support or comply with any policy that attempts to restrict his detectives from communicating, coordinating, or collaborating with local, state, or federal law enforcement partners. The District Attorney argued that imposing such limitations would be contrary to public safety interests and would ultimately undermine the ability of law enforcement to operate effectively within the community.
