Full Breakdown
Surge in Local Law Enforcement Agreements with ICE Under Trump Administration
2/16/2026, 9:27:33 PM
Dramatic Increase in ICE Partnerships
Agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement agencies have surged by 950% during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to an analysis by FWD.US, a nonpartisan policy organization. As of January 26, 2025, there are 1,168 local agencies participating in the program, a significant increase from just 135 under the Biden administration and 150 at the end of Trump’s first term. This program, known as the 287(g) task force model, allows local police officers to be deputized by ICE to arrest individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
Funding and Incentives
The Trump administration has reinvigorated this controversial program, which was previously discontinued in 2012 due to concerns over racial profiling. The revival is supported by substantial federal funding, including provisions from Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could provide local law enforcement agencies with between $1.4 billion and $2 billion this year. ICE offers financial incentives, including $7,500 for equipment per trained officer and $100,000 for new vehicles, along with overtime pay of up to 25% of an officer’s salary.
State Participation and Local Resistance
Florida leads the nation with 342 participating agencies, followed by Texas with 296, Tennessee with 63, Pennsylvania with 58, and Alabama with 52. However, not all local law enforcement agencies are on board. For instance, the Dallas Police Department has rejected participation, citing concerns that it would detract from their regular duties. Similarly, the Montgomery County, Maryland, police chiefs association has stated that none of its departments have signed agreements with ICE, emphasizing their commitment to enforcing civil immigration orders only with judicial warrants.
Criticism and Community Impact
Critics of the program, including Felicity Rose, vice president of criminal justice research and policy at FWD.US, argue that the expansion of local police involvement in immigration enforcement could lead to negative consequences for communities, such as reduced access to healthcare and education due to fear among immigrant populations. The program has been described as a revival of past practices that have caused significant harm to immigrant communities.
Official Statements and Perspectives
ICE has defended the program, stating that it enhances community safety by allowing local law enforcement to assist in identifying and removing individuals who undermine the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the importance of partnerships with local law enforcement to effectively carry out immigration enforcement.
Conflicting Reports and Future Implications
While the program has garnered support from some state officials, it faces opposition from various local law enforcement agencies concerned about their capacity to manage both local and federal duties. As the program continues to expand, it remains to be seen how it will affect community relations and the broader immigration landscape in the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This amount would dwarf all other federal funding for local law enforcement,” — FWD.US Report
- “Over a decade ago, we saw how deputizing local law enforcement to do immigration enforcement could result in disaster under Sheriff Arpaio and others,” — Todd Schulte, President of FWD.US
