Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Will Bunch, national opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. His latest column is "In Pa. coal country, local police join with ICE to bring arrests, fear."

The discussion examined the expansion of the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program and its local effects, then turned to Senator John Fetterman’s political future. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:

- Bunch described how increased federal funding and incentives have encouraged small police departments to join 287(g).
- In Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, 14 departments reportedly joined, with officers conducting checkpoints, traffic stops, and support for ICE operations.
- The program has contributed to racial profiling, wrongful arrests, fear among Latino residents, and reduced local economic activity.
- The discussion raised concerns about whether local police are prioritizing immigration enforcement over public safety.
- Potential liability includes brutality, wrongful arrests, violence, and lawsuits
- Bunch said Pennsylvania voters are increasingly focused on Fetterman’s conduct and that he is unlikely to win the 2028 Democratic primary in the state.
- Possible paths discussed were switching parties or running as an independent, seeking re-election with Republican and independent support.

Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin).   

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