Kerwin, Mehaffie Applaud County Commissioner Vote Against Anti-ICE Resolution

September 10, 2025

HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan manner, Dauphin County Commissioners Mike Pries and George Hartwick voted down a resolution, authored by Commissioner Justin Douglas, on Wednesday that would have limited communication and cooperation between county agencies and federal immigration authorities.

Reps. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) and Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) commended Pries (a registered Republican) and Hartwick (a registered Democrat) for their decisiveness, saying the effort to limit communication would have hamstrung local law enforcement.

“This irresponsible resolution would have put Dauphin County residents at risk. Dauphin County communities are safer because Commissioners Pries and Hartwick voted against this resolution,” said Kerwin. “As our nation reels from the impact of horrific crimes, now is the time for our government officials to work together to guarantee that law enforcement agencies have the tools that are needed to stop crime and protect the public. It is not the time to restrict cooperation and communication between law enforcement and government agencies.”

Mehaffie reflected on Dauphin County’s long history of supporting law enforcement, equipping officers with the resources they need, and enabling police, the district attorney and federal agencies to do their difficult work every day.

“Successful policing is built on partnerships, not division. I feel the resolution before the Board of Commissioners this morning was shortsighted and not reflective of our local needs,” Mehaffie said. “I’m hopeful that maneuver being squashed can now serve as an opportunity to reaffirm this region’s commitment to policing and public safety.”

Kerwin added that he supports local, state and federal law enforcement collaboration, which ensures that every Dauphin County resident lives safely.

“As a former Dauphin County prosecutor, I understand how vital it is for government agencies at different echelons to be able to collaborate when enforcing the law. Holding criminals accountable for their actions, coupled with providing law enforcement the resources necessary to do their jobs, means that the hardworking people of Dauphin County can live in safety,” Kerwin said. “Safe communities create a positive effect for all Dauphin County residents. These safe communities allow families to thrive and businesses to build a strong, local economy.”

Representative Joseph Kerwin
125th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com
RepJoeKerwin.com / Facebook.com/RepJoeKerwin

Representative Tom Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6365
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie