Agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement agencies have surged during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, reflecting a renewed federal push to involve local police in immigration enforcement. According to an analysis by the policy group FWD.us, the number of participating agencies has grown dramatically, with more than 1,100 departments now trained to assist ICE. That marks a sharp rise from the roughly 135 agencies that were involved during the Biden administration and about 150 at the close of Trump’s first presidency.
At the center of this expansion is the revival of the 287(g) “task force” model, which allows local officers to be deputized to carry out certain federal immigration duties. Under the program, police are trained to identify, stop, and arrest individuals they suspect may be in the country without legal status, all while continuing their regular responsibilities. The administration has framed the initiative as a way to strengthen cooperation between federal and local authorities and to extend the reach of immigration enforcement operations across the country.
Financial incentives have played a major role in encouraging participation. ICE has offered funding for equipment, vehicles, training, and overtime pay, along with support for officer salaries. Analysts estimate that state and local agencies could receive between $1.4 billion and $2 billion this year if enrollment continues at the current pace. Some projections suggest that federal spending tied to the program could climb even higher in the coming years as more officers are deputized.
Support for the effort varies widely among states and cities. Florida and Texas lead the nation in the number of agreements, with hundreds of agencies participating. Other states, including Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Alabama, have also joined in large numbers. In Texas, counties with populations above a certain threshold are required to participate, further increasing enrollment. At the same time, resistance remains in major urban areas. Police departments in cities such as Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have declined to join, citing concerns about staffing, resource allocation, and the potential strain on community relationships.
Some local leaders have openly rejected the program. Officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, have stated that their departments will not enforce civil immigration orders without warrants signed by a judge. In New Orleans, local leadership expressed reluctance, but the state government issued an executive order directing law enforcement agencies to assist with federal immigration operations and encouraging departments to participate.
The program has also revived long-standing debates over the role of local police in federal immigration matters. Critics point to earlier versions of the task force model, which were discontinued in 2012 after allegations of racial profiling in places like Maricopa County, Arizona. Advocates for reform argue that tying funding and performance bonuses to immigration arrests may lead to over-policing and fear within immigrant communities. Researchers have warned that such programs can lead to declines in school attendance and reduced access to healthcare as families avoid public spaces.
At the same time, federal officials continue to defend the partnerships as necessary for enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety. ICE has emphasized that cooperation with local and state agencies helps carry out its mission more effectively by expanding its presence nationwide.
Public opinion appears divided. Recent polling found that many Americans disapprove of the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement, particularly following recent incidents involving federal agents. As more local officers become involved in immigration work, the conversation over the balance between enforcement priorities and community trust is likely to intensify.
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