President Donald Trump has broadened a relatively obscure initiative that lets local law enforcement help with deportation efforts, even in states that lean liberal, as documented in recent records.
Since 2019, over 1,350 local agencies have partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with 68 of those agencies located in Democratic states and 88 in swing states, according to an analysis. Liberal activists and officials are working on ways to counteract this agreement, known as the 287(g) program, which was further established during Trump’s administrations.
According to Chad Wolf, former Secretary of Homeland Security during Trump’s first term, the 287(g) contracts are “the most effective tool.” Now leading homeland security and immigration policy at a conservative think tank, he speaks of the program’s efficacy.
Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), contend that local police should concentrate on local crimes, while proponents assert that the partnership enables ICE to detain immigrants from prisons rather than rounding them up in their neighborhoods.
Building a deportation framework
The 287(g) program was created by a law in 1996, well before the first agreement was made in 2002 during the Bush administration’s post-9/11 initiatives. Under Wolf’s direction, ICE has expanded the program from 35 jurisdictions to nearly 150.
This agreement encompasses three main categories: one allows prison authorities to identify immigrants eligible for deportation, another permits police to question or arrest individuals for immigration violations while on duty, and a third involves training ICE officers to execute warrants in prisons.
Wolf maintained, “This agreement strengthens immigration enforcement and creates a safer environment for federal agents, local law enforcement, and detainees.”
He further criticized former President Joe Biden’s approach, claiming it undermines the 287(g) program in an effort to “open borders.” Biden’s officials have indicated a freeze on new contracts, with no agreements made under his administration currently active.
Wolf highlighted the difficulties faced by federal agents, noting that many criminals are often in sanctuary cities that refuse cooperation with ICE, leading to protests in areas such as Minneapolis.
So far, Trump’s second term has resulted in over 1,000 new 287(g) partnerships. Reports indicate that these agreements have played a role in helping ICE track down various criminals, including those convicted of serious offenses.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin noted significant achievements, including 40,000 arrests in Florida due to local law enforcement’s help.
Opposition grows among liberals
Several states, including Washington and California, have initiated policies banning 287(g) agreements, with Democrats in other areas moving to do the same.
In Maryland, despite nine agencies already participating, a recent bill passed to block such contracts. Democratic Governor Wes Moore expressed his intent for the bill’s approval, emphasizing the need for safety without involving ICE.
Democratic leaders in Massachusetts and New York are also pushing for legislation that would dismantle ICE agreements.
Other liberal governors have taken steps independently, such as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who issued an executive order to pause new contracts unless there are clear public safety concerns, while Virginia’s Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger rescinded certain agreements enacted during the previous Republican administration.
The ACLU has filed lawsuits against local law enforcement entities collaborating with ICE in multiple states and continues to challenge contracts in Minnesota.
If states genuinely want to minimize ICE activity in their communities, Wolf reiterated that they should consider participating in the 287(g) program, which would allow ICE to focus on detainees in secure settings rather than operating in neighborhoods that might become contentious.
