ICE 287(g) Program: 900% Surge & Local Police Funding

Los Angeles – A recent analysis reveals a dramatic expansion of local law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement, with participation in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) 287(g) program increasing by over 900 percent during Donald Trump’s second term. This surge significantly broadens the reach of federal immigration agencies at the local level.

According to the analysis, conducted by the nonpartisan policy organization FWD.us, more than 760 local law enforcement agencies have now enrolled in the “task force” model of the 287(g) program. Between 13,800 and 15,800 police officers and sheriff’s deputies have been deputized, granting them powers of immigration enforcement.

This expansion in local participation surpasses the number of personnel directly hired by ICE during the same period, which totaled approximately 12,000 new employees.

Historically, ICE’s involvement with 287(g) programs was limited to funding training and technological infrastructure for participating departments. However, a new funding model implemented under the current administration represents a significant shift. ICE is now offering to cover the full salaries and overtime costs of officers trained in immigration law enforcement, in addition to initial costs and even “performance bonuses” tied to immigration-related arrests. This incentivizes local officers financially for detaining individuals suspected of immigration violations.

“More than a decade ago, we saw how deputizing local police to enforce immigration law could result in disaster under Sheriff Arpaio and others,” said Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us. “Federal incentives to target and profile will harm immigrant communities and have collateral effects on other communities already targeted by local law enforcement, impacting both immigrants and citizens alike.”

The analysis indicates that at least $137 million has already been allocated to local police departments through this new funding mechanism. Based on current enrollment levels, this funding source could potentially distribute between $1.4 billion and $2 billion in additional funds in 2026. If enrollment continues at the current rate, that figure could reach up to $3.4 billion by 2027, effectively funding approximately 29,000 officers with immigration enforcement authority nationwide.

“This would be by far the largest infusion of federal funding into local law enforcement since the 1990s COPS grants, which increased low-level arrests without having a significant impact on crime,” stated Felicity Rose, Vice President of Criminal Justice Research and Policy at FWD.us. “Research on the 287(g) Task Force Model also showed that it caused massive harm to communities without reducing crime. This program is a confluence of two bad ideas that should be left in the past where they belong.”

The report from FWD.us comes amid ongoing debate in the U.S. Congress regarding additional funding for ICE and immigration enforcement programs. It raises critical questions about the implications of outsourcing core federal functions to local agencies with varying levels of experience and oversight.

The 287(g) program, established under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows ICE to enter into cooperative agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies. These agreements enable local officers to receive training and authorization to enforce federal immigration laws. The program has been controversial since its inception, with critics raising concerns about racial profiling, civil rights violations, and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

The shift towards a funding model that incentivizes arrests based on immigration status is particularly concerning, according to the FWD.us analysis. This approach could lead to increased scrutiny of immigrant communities and potentially disproportionate enforcement actions. The potential for financial rewards based on arrest numbers raises questions about accountability and the potential for abuse.

The expansion of the 287(g) program also raises logistical and operational challenges. Local law enforcement agencies may lack the specialized training and resources necessary to effectively and fairly enforce complex immigration laws. This could lead to errors, delays, and potential legal challenges.

The increased collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement has broader implications for the relationship between immigrant communities and the criminal justice system. Concerns about deportation could discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement investigations, potentially undermining public safety.

The FWD.us report highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the 287(g) program and its impact on communities across the United States. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that immigration enforcement policies are consistent with due process, civil rights, and the principles of fairness and justice.