Bethlehem’s New Federal Partnership: A Closer Look at the HSI Agreement

Bethlehem City Council recently approved a new federal investigative partnership, a move that places one city police detective to work with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This agreement, approved in a four-to-three vote on September 16, 2026, aims to bolster the city’s ability to tackle complex cases that extend beyond local borders. While the partnership offers enhanced resources and training, it also includes specific limitations to ensure local immigration enforcement remains separate from federal duties.

The core of this agreement involves assigning a Bethlehem Police Department detective to work with federal HSI investigators for at least 30 hours each week. This detective will operate under the supervision of a federal HSI supervisor, bringing local knowledge to federal investigations. Chief Michelle Kott, who requested the partnership, highlighted the benefits of “additional funding,” “additional training,” and “additional resources” that this collaboration would provide. These resources are particularly valuable for investigations that require coordination across different jurisdictions.

Expanding Investigative Reach Beyond City Limits

The primary goal of this memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to strengthen the department’s capacity to investigate crimes that have a federal component or extend beyond the city’s geographical boundaries. The assigned detective will serve as a federal task force officer, maintaining a connection to the local department while contributing to federal efforts. This arrangement allows the Bethlehem Police Department to access federal investigative support and expertise without altering its fundamental role in local law enforcement.

The types of cases this partnership will focus on are those that often involve activity outside the city or have a clear federal nexus. These include investigations into human trafficking, child predator cases, drug smuggling, cybercrime, financial fraud, and export violations. By embedding a local detective within HSI, the city can ensure these complex cases receive the necessary attention and resources, benefiting from federal investigative tools and networks.

Key Terms of the Investigative Partnership

The agreement outlines specific terms to govern the detective’s assignment and the overall partnership. The detective will be assigned to work with federal investigators for a minimum of 30 hours per week, operating under the direct supervision of a federal HSI supervisor. This structured approach ensures that the detective’s work aligns with federal investigative priorities and standards.

The agreement is set to remain in effect indefinitely, providing a stable framework for collaboration. However, either the city or the federal agency can terminate the agreement by providing at least 30 days’ written notice. This provision allows for flexibility, enabling either party to exit the arrangement if circumstances change or if the partnership is no longer deemed beneficial.

Agreement Term	Details
Detective Assignment	One Bethlehem police detective works with HSI investigators.
Weekly Schedule	Minimum of 30 hours per week under federal supervision.
Case Focus	Trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, smuggling, and export violations.
Duration	Indefinite, with a 30-day written notice for termination.

Clarifying the Scope: Not a 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Agreement

A critical aspect of this partnership is its distinction from broader immigration enforcement agreements, such as the 287(g) program. The MOU explicitly states that Bethlehem police will not participate in immigration enforcement actions. This means that city officers will not be tasked with enforcing federal immigration laws as part of their local duties or under this new federal agreement.

The purpose of the detective’s assignment is strictly limited to supporting investigations into specific federal crimes like trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, smuggling, and export violations. This clarifies that the partnership is designed to enhance investigative capabilities for certain types of crimes, rather than expanding the city’s role in immigration enforcement. The agreement carefully preserves the city’s existing stance on local immigration enforcement, ensuring that federal immigration law is handled by federal agencies.

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