Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters confirmed that his office is exploring a formal partnership with federal immigration authorities. While no agreement has been finalized, Peters stated that his office has initiated the process to pursue a 287(g) agreement specifically for the Wyoming County Detective’s Office.
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that delegates certain immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement, allowing them to coordinate more closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Peters noted that the proposal is currently under review and emphasized that, if adopted, the partnership would be limited strictly to the county’s detective unit. Other local police departments within Wyoming County would not be included in the agreement.
The move comes as several other Pennsylvania counties and the state's primary insurer navigate the legal and financial complexities of such federal partnerships. While Peters views the potential agreement as a tool to enhance cooperation in specific law enforcement situations, the plan remains in the preliminary stages as his office evaluates the operational impacts.
