Story perspectives

States Challenge Trump's Immigration Policies Amid Rising Tensions

1/16/2026

Center

Raoul Challenges Trump

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Minnesota officials filed lawsuits against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, alleging immigration actions violate the Constitution, while the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the suits as baseless.
In Minnesota, tensions rose after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, prompting protests.
Los Angeles County plans to create "ICE-free zones" to shield residents from deportation fears.

Right

Sheriffs Partner with ICE

Sheriff's offices nationwide have signed 1,318 287(g) memorandums with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across 40 states.
The 287(g) program lets local police assist in immigration enforcement.
In North Carolina, sheriffs must notify ICE when detaining individuals without legal status.
Some counties, including Horry and Robeson, cooperate with ICE to varying degrees without formal memorandums.
A San Antonio ride-along with ICE agents shows public hostility during operations.

History

Historical Context

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996 established the 287(g) program, enabling local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement. By 2023, over 1,300 agreements had been signed across 40 states, prompting legal challenges from officials like Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration policies and calls for "ICE-free zones" to protect vulnerable communities.

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Raoul Challenges Trump

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Minnesota officials filed lawsuits against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, alleging immigration actions violate the Constitution, while the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the suits as baseless.
In Minnesota, tensions rose after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, prompting protests.
Los Angeles County plans to create "ICE-free zones" to shield residents from deportation fears.

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