Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 287g Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Chester council directs solicitor to draft ordinance requiring council approval for 287(g) immigration partnerships
Summary
After extensive debate and public testimony, West Chester council voted to send to public hearing a proposed ordinance that would require borough council approval before the police department participates in any 287(g) cooperation agreements; the hearing was set for March 18 at 6:30 p.m.
West Chester Borough Council on Feb. 18 voted to direct the borough solicitor to draft an ordinance that would require council approval before the West Chester Police Department participates in any 287(g) immigration enforcement cooperation agreement. Council also set a public hearing on the proposed ordinance for March 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The item generated the meeting’s most sustained debate. Supporters said an ordinance would provide transparency and a formal check on future administrations. Public commenter David Keim said the change would send a message of protection to vulnerable residents and called the ordinance "the bare minimum," citing recent incidents elsewhere as context. Keim told council: “We should be moving ahead. … It allows transparency because not having an ordinance clearly isn't the strategy.”
Former police chief and Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association executive director Scott Bohn advised council on authority and public optics. Bohn told the council he believes elected officials have the legislative authority to enact such a measure and recommended a unified public statement or joint resolution as an alternative, saying it could have similar public effect. He also emphasized checks and balances and public trust: “I firmly believe you have the legislative authority to make this type of decision,” he said.
Council members and the mayor expressed differing views about necessity and scope. Some members argued a resolution might suffice; others urged an ordinance to ensure future accountability. The chief of police, Josh Lee, was reported during the meeting as saying the department had no plans to enter into 287(g) agreements. Opposition from some nonprofit representatives and the mayor focused on concerns about council overreach into police operations.
The motion before council directed the solicitor to draft an ordinance and schedule the public hearing. That motion passed on a council vote to move the ordinance forward to hearing (hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026, 6:30 p.m.). The council did not adopt an ordinance at this meeting; the vote authorized the drafting and public‑hearing process.
