The recent Sheriff’s election in Bucks County concluded with a decisive outcome, as Democrat Danny Ceisler defeated outgoing Sheriff Harran by more than 25,000 votes, or roughly 10 percent. The results signal a profound shift in community sentiment regarding local law enforcement’s approach to immigration and its partnership with federal authorities.
Voters sent a clear message: public safety must be balanced with trust, inclusion, and respect for all residents.
Sheriff Harran’s tenure was defined by his insistence on collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While proponents argued that such partnerships enhanced public safety, critics — including community leaders and immigrant advocacy groups — contended that the policy fostered fear and anxiety among Bucks County’s immigrant residents. Families worried that routine interactions with law enforcement could result in racial profiling, detention or deportation, and as a result discourage them from reporting crimes or seeking help when needed.
The human cost of this policy has been particularly visible among children. Many students experience constant anxiety, worrying about family separation and struggling with fear even in ordinary activities such as attending school or visiting public spaces. One parent shared with me, “My children ask me every day if someone will come and take us. It’s hard to explain safety when they don’t feel safe at home.” These daily pressures reflect the broader emotional toll of policies that directly affect vulnerable populations.
READ: Child Care Workers Are Building a Network of Resistance Against ICE
For many immigrant families, the stakes extend even further. Numerous residents came to the United States fleeing dictatorships or oppressive governments, seeking safety, freedom, and stability. In Bucks County, ICE enforcement has represented a continuation of the fear and uncertainty they hoped to leave behind. Even those with legal status or documentation often live under persistent anxiety. “I have all my papers, but every knock at the door makes me nervous. You never stop worrying,” a community member explained.
With the new election results, there is reason for hope.
Immigrant families in Bucks County may experience a more relaxed Thanksgiving, a holiday that embodies inclusion, community, and cultural exchange. Historically, Thanksgiving has been a symbol of unity: in 1621, Pilgrims and Wampanoag shared a harvest feast despite their differences, and later waves of immigrants—from Irish to Italian to German—adopted the holiday to connect with their new communities while preserving their own traditions. Today, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for Bucks County residents to welcome newcomers, celebrate diversity, and learn from one another — a reflection of the American ideal of shared community.
The incoming sheriff now faces the challenge — and the opportunity — of rebuilding trust. Ending the ICE partnership is only the first step. Sustained engagement, transparency, and a commitment to equitable law enforcement will be essential to foster a sense of safety for all residents, particularly vulnerable families and children.
Ultimately, the Bucks County election was about more than a single office. It was a referendum on how law enforcement interacts with immigrant communities and how residents envision safety, trust, and belonging. On Election Night, voters sent a powerful message: fear should not dictate public safety, and every member of the community — including its youngest and most vulnerable — deserves protection, dignity, and peace of mind.
