Partnership Between DHS and Local Law Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made an announcement on Wednesday regarding their collaboration with over 1,000 state and local law enforcement agencies.

This partnership involves the 287(g) program, which equips local law enforcement with the necessary resources to apprehend serious offenders, including murderers, gang members, rapists, pedophiles, and terrorists within American communities.

Since Kristi Noem’s appointment as DHS Secretary, the number of 287(g) agreements has seen remarkable growth—from 135 contracts initially to now 1,001 across 40 states.

Madison Xiahan, Deputy Director of ICE, commented:

ICE is collaborating with state and local law enforcement not just to expand our workforce but also to tackle critical issues like violence and crime, which include murderers and gang activity. With the implementation of a comprehensive reform bill, ICE has initiated a new refund program aimed at agencies willing to partner with DHS, all in the name of enhancing public safety. We are inviting all state and local law enforcement agencies to join the 287(g) program, as this collaboration not only offers significant funding benefits but is also part of a national initiative to ensure the security of American families.

These partnerships are perceived as “power multipliers,” aiding federal agencies in locating, arresting, and deporting undocumented individuals.

Due to this new legislation, law enforcement agencies involved in the 287(g) program will have access to several refund opportunities, such as:

• ICE will reimburse agencies for annual salaries and benefits for each eligible trained 287(g) officer, including overtime cover up to 25% of the officer’s annual salary.
• Agencies may qualify for a quarterly financial performance award based on the successful identification of illegal aliens reported to ICE.

There has been ongoing discussion regarding President Joe Biden’s DHS Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, who has focused on limiting the scope of the 287(g) program, citing a history of “harmful practices” associated with it.

The DHS is currently urging state and local law enforcement agencies to engage in the 287(g) program to enhance their abilities to find and apprehend undocumented individuals.