Journalist Roundtable: ICE Enforcement and Local Impact

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers wait to detain a person, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AIRED; February 27, 2026

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. 

On this edition of The Spark, reporters Sydney Roach of WPSU and Emily Neil of WHYY joined the conversation to break down ICE enforcement activity across Pennsylvania and its local consequences. The discussion highlighted several high-profile cases, including a State College man who, after spending over four decades in prison, was immediately taken into ICE custody upon his release due to a decades-old deportation order, sparking national attention. The roundtable also explored the growing use of ICE 287(g) agreements with local law enforcement agencies, which have stirred community backlash and political consequences, such as the contested agreement in Bucks County that contributed to a sheriff’s failed reelection bid. The conversation offered listeners a deeper understanding of how federal immigration policies intersect with state and local jurisdictions and the real-life effects on communities throughout Pennsylvania.