(The Center Square) \u2013 If there\u2019s one claim all Pennsylvania politicians can – and often do – rely on, it\u2019s that the divided state government forces them to work in a bipartisan manner.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also the reason that many reforms are out of reach and many bills seem to serve political rather than legislative aims, including those responding to the national fight over the Trump administration\u2019s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.<\/p>\n
This time, a bill comes from Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, whose brand of conservatism often clashes with the state\u2019s Democratic leadership, most notably in his failed bid for governor against then Attorney General, now Gov. Josh Shapiro.<\/p>\n
The clash continues as Mastriano puts forward legislation that would promise cooperation with federal law enforcement even as Shapiro\u2019s re-election campaign centers state sovereignty and resistance to federal overreach.<\/p>\n
A memo circulated last week invites senators to join in co-sponsoring a bill which would \u201crequire all Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies\u2014including state, local, county, and campus police\u2014to fully cooperate with federal law enforcement authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF when they are carrying out the duties required to enforce federal law.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mastriano is joined by Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, and Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon, on the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvania must maintain strong partnerships with federal law enforcement to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and prevent the creation of sanctuary jurisdictions that undermine enforcement efforts,\u201d reads the Senate memo. \u201cThis bill ensures clarity, accountability, and constitutional compliance while promoting cooperation across all levels of law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n