President Donald Trump has significantly enlarged the 287(g) program, which taps local law enforcement to assist with deportation operations, even in states with more liberal policies. A recent analysis revealed that since 2019, over 1,350 local agencies have signed agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including a notable presence in Democratic and swing states. These contracts define a new way for ICE to operate, giving the agency entry into local systems to locate undocumented individuals.
Chad Wolf, former head of DHS under Trump, remarked, “The agreements force-multiply immigration enforcement and create safer conditions for federal agents, local law enforcement, and detainees.” This statement emphasizes how these partnerships have the potential to streamline immigration enforcement, allowing for more efficient utilization of resources.
The origins of the 287(g) program trace back to 1996 and gained traction during the Bush administration following 9/11. Under Wolf’s leadership, the program expanded dramatically from just 35 local jurisdictions to nearly 150, showcasing a growing reliance on local cooperation in immigration matters. The agreements come in various forms: from agreements that enable jail authorities to transfer deportable individuals to ICE, to those allowing local police officers to make arrests based on immigration violations.
However, opposition is crystallizing. Democratic leaders and organizations like the ACLU argue against the program, pushing a narrative that local law enforcement should redirect its focus to community offenses instead of immigration issues. The fallout from these criticisms is being felt in states like Maryland, where Democrats moved to block the contracts despite local agencies already being on board. Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated, “We are going to do everything in our power to keep people safe, but that does not mean deputizing the people who are keeping people safe to go perform functions by a rogue ICE agency.” This reflects a growing divide on the policy’s implications for public safety.
Wolf contends that the impediments placed by current federal officials under Biden have hindered the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. He called attention to the thousands of individuals who came into the country during Biden’s tenure, many of whom, according to Wolf, pose significant safety risks.
The recent surge in 287(g) agreements under Trump’s renewed presidency—over 1,000 partnerships in 2025 alone—signifies a continued commitment to this strategy. Data shows local law enforcement under these agreements has assisted ICE in apprehending serious criminals, including individuals with violent pasts. “We have had tremendous success when local law enforcement work with us including 40,000 arrests in Florida,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. In her assessment, local agencies that refuse to collaborate with federal immigration efforts jeopardize their constituents’ safety.
On the opposing side, various states have enacted measures against 287(g) partnerships. Laws have been proposed or passed in several Democratic-controlled states, aiming to curb these connections with ICE. Notably, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued an order to restrict new 287(g) agreements, emphasizing a need for clear public safety justifications.
This ongoing clash over immigration policy raises fundamental questions about law enforcement priorities. Advocates argue that local agencies are better positioned to act against local crime, while supporters of 287(g) assert that collaboration with ICE ultimately enhances community safety.
As states take various positions on immigration enforcement partnerships, the debate surrounding the efficacy and legality of the 287(g) program will likely continue to intensify. Local law enforcement’s role in immigration matters is under scrutiny, and the ramifications of these agreements are far-reaching, affecting both policy frameworks and community dynamics across the nation.
"*" indicates required fields
