Trump Expands Local Police Role in Immigration Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump is expanding local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program, allowing sheriff’s offices to partner with ICE. This move has sparked support from conservatives and concern from immigration advocates over racial profiling. Several states, including Florida and Texas, are passing laws to mandate local participation.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Local Law Enforcement Joins the Effort – Quick Look
- Reviving the 287(g) Program: Trump is reinstating and expanding the 1996 program that allows local police to assist ICE in detaining undocumented immigrants.
- First in Indiana: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is poised to become the first in the state to sign up.
- Florida’s ICE Deal: Governor Ron DeSantis announced an agreement enabling the Florida Highway Patrol to enforce federal immigration laws.
- Concerns Over Racial Profiling: Immigrant advocacy groups warn of discrimination and fear-driven policing.
- State-Level Push: States like Georgia, Florida, and Texas are enacting laws requiring local agencies to work with ICE.
- Broader Expansion: ICE currently has 135 agreements with law enforcement nationwide, with 35 more pending.
- Manpower Challenges: Some sheriffs support the initiative but worry about limited resources for detainment.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Local Law Enforcement Joins the Effort – Deep Look
As part of President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, local law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are being recruited to help federal authorities detain and deport undocumented immigrants. This effort is part of the 287(g) program, a longstanding but controversial initiative that trains local officers to act on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A Renewed Focus on Local Immigration Enforcement
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana has long sought an ICE partnership to help identify and detain undocumented immigrants charged with crimes. Under President Joe Biden, their calls went unanswered. However, with Trump back in office, the department is preparing to become the first in Indiana to officially join the 287(g) program.
“We definitely are joining,” said Chief Deputy John Lowes, emphasizing the sheriff’s commitment to community safety through immigration enforcement.
This program is not new—it was first established in 1996—but under Trump, it is being aggressively expanded. Currently, it allows trained officers to interrogate individuals in custody and detain them for potential deportation. However, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has suggested reviving a discontinued aspect of the program that would allow local task forces to make street arrests, a move previously scrapped under former President Barack Obama due to racial profiling concerns.
Florida Leads the Charge with ICE Agreement
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s Highway Patrol will be working with ICE to identify and detain undocumented immigrants. This collaboration, he stated, is part of Trump’s broader plan to enact the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.
States like Georgia and Texas are also pushing for stronger cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Georgia recently passed a law mandating that counties with jails must apply for 287(g) agreements, a move fueled by the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant.
Criticism from Immigration Advocates
While Trump and his supporters argue these efforts are necessary for national security, immigration rights groups are raising alarms.
Nayna Gupta of the American Immigration Council warned that programs like 287(g) often lead to racial profiling and deter immigrant communities from reporting crimes out of fear of deportation.
Lena Graber from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center echoed these concerns, describing the program as a tool used by far-right sheriffs to target people based on ethnicity rather than actual criminal behavior.
Challenges in Implementing the Program
Despite growing support, not all law enforcement agencies are eager to sign up. Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, for example, supports Trump’s immigration policies but said his department lacks the resources to handle the added responsibilities.
“I don’t have that kind of manpower,” Donahue admitted, noting that his jail has no extra space for detainees.
Even among those joining, there are limits. Hamilton County’s deputies, for instance, plan to focus solely on individuals already in jail rather than conducting immigration enforcement in the community.
Statewide Push for Mandatory ICE Training
Some states are making ICE partnerships a legal requirement. Florida was the first to enforce 287(g) participation for all counties with jails unless they formally opt out. Following Georgia’s example, Texas is pushing legislation that would require local law enforcement to work with ICE.
Texas state Rep. David Spiller, a Republican backing the measure, argues that without local police involvement, Trump’s mass deportation plan will not be feasible.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, lawmakers are debating a bill that would create a state grant program to support law enforcement agencies that participate in the 287(g) program. Democratic State Senator Rodney Pol has strongly opposed the measure, calling it “dangerous” and warning that it could harm community trust in law enforcement.
The Future of Local Immigration Enforcement Under Trump
As of December 2024, ICE had signed 135 agreements with sheriff’s offices, police departments, and prison systems across 21 states. Two-thirds of these agreements exist in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, reflecting the strong conservative push for local involvement in immigration enforcement.
However, no new agreements were signed under Biden’s presidency, highlighting the stark contrast in immigration policies between administrations.
With Trump back in the White House, the push for local cooperation is accelerating. His administration is also working to reduce regulatory barriers and shorten training programs to make it easier for law enforcement agencies to join.
Though challenges remain—including logistical concerns and opposition from immigrant rights groups—the expansion of 287(g) signals a significant shift in how immigration laws are enforced at the state and local levels.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.