Residents urge Berks County commissioners to review county exposure after risk-pool change tied to immigration detainers

At the May 8 Berks County commissioners meeting, several residents urged the board to examine how a recent Pennsylvania County Risk Pool (PCOR) policy change could affect the county’s liability and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Lisa Gallagher of Spring Township told commissioners PCOR plans to stop covering liability claims arising from local law-enforcement participation in 287(g) agreements, and that the change — effective June 26, according to materials she cited — could force counties to purchase additional liability coverage. "They are going to be requiring additional coverage, liability coverage, because of the dangers of lawsuits and the financial risks," Gallagher said.

Another resident who identified herself as Crystal asked whether the county has any contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that formalizes 48-hour holds and where Berks County stands under the new PCOR guidance. "Do we have a contract with ICE so that holding of 48 hours, is it formalized in a contract?" she asked, noting the pool’s announcement also says the change does not apply to county contracts for simply housing ICE detainees when those are paid arrangements.

Wyomissing resident Jane Palmer recounted a case she said illustrates the local impact of federal enforcement: a man she identified as Erasmo, a cooperating witness in a murder-suicide who she said had been granted a U visa with support from District Attorney John Adams, was taken by ICE and left his grandchild without care. "He was just taken by ICE, leaving the baby and the case," Palmer said, urging commissioners to consider the human consequences of local cooperation with immigration enforcement.

Two online commenters read into the record echoed those concerns. Craig Schafer asked the commissioners to refuse cooperation with ICE and not use tax dollars to detain neighbors; Elizabeth Guizen, identifying herself as a lifelong Berks County resident, said many friends and classmates feel threatened by local ICE presence and urged reducing local cooperation so immigrant residents can "thrive without fear."

Commissioner Santoni thanked speakers and said county officials are coordinating with the governor’s office and the state’s office of general counsel in efforts to prevent a proposed facility from coming to Berks County. "It is ongoing, and we appreciate all the input of our community members," he said. Chair Commissioner Rivera reiterated that the commissioners do not set state or federal law and encouraged residents to contact their federal delegation. "We are not lawmakers. We are commissioners," Rivera said, adding that his stance on ICE is unchanged and not driven by electoral considerations.

The commissioners did not take a formal vote or adopt a new policy at the meeting. Commenters urged further review of insurance exposure, clarification of any contracts with ICE, and outreach to state and federal officials.