Trump Expands 287(g) Program, Enlisting Local Police in Immigration Duties

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Key Takeaways

Trump reinstates the 287(g) program, deputizing local law enforcement to assist federal immigration enforcement, with 135 agreements active across 21 states.
Two training models exist: a 4-week option for detentions and an 8-hour option for serving federal warrants, varying enforcement powers.
Florida, Texas, and North Carolina lead with most agreements; states like Indiana offer grants encouraging local agencies to join the program.

President Donald Trump is bringing back the controversial 287(g) program to make local law enforcement a key part of federal immigration enforcement. This initiative is central to Trump’s broader push to crack down on illegal immigration. By enabling local officers to investigate, detain, and assist in deporting certain immigrants, the program boosts federal efforts to curb unauthorized migration.

The 287(g) program, created under a 1996 federal law, trains local police to identify and detain immigrants who may be eligible for deportation. Upon taking office again, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully explore and expand 287(g). This push is evident in the 135 active agreements that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has formed with police departments, sheriff’s offices, and prison systems across 21 states. The agreements allow local agencies to work closely with ICE in enforcing immigration laws.

Trump Expands 287(g) Program, Enlisting Local Police in Immigration Duties

How the 287(g) Program Works

The program runs under two models. The first model, which involves in-depth training over four weeks, allows local officers to detain individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. These suspects are usually detained as part of local criminal cases that lead to their arrest. In contrast, the second model, introduced during Trump’s initial presidency, requires only eight hours of training. Under this model, local officers can serve federal immigration warrants but are limited in their direct enforcement actions.

Both models aim to deputize existing law enforcement, providing additional resources to ICE. This initiative helps the federal government expand immigration enforcement without hiring significantly more federal agents.

A Broader Political Push

Three states—Florida, Texas, and North Carolina—account for two-thirds of the current 287(g) agreements. These figures demonstrate that some states are more enthusiastic about using local authorities in immigration matters. For example, Florida recently took measures to enhance its enforcement collaboration. Governor Ron DeSantis announced in February 2025 that the Florida Highway Patrol had entered an agreement with ICE. This partnership empowers state troopers to arrest and detain unauthorized immigrants, transferring them to federal custody. DeSantis said this agreement reflects Trump’s goals to carry out what he called “the largest deportation program in American history.”

Legislative support is also growing. Florida lawmakers approved millions of dollars in funding to assist local immigration enforcement. In Tennessee, new rules support local agencies willing to join the federal program, offering financial incentives. Likewise, Indiana is developing a state grant program to encourage law enforcement agencies to sign 287(g) agreements. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is set to join, with its Chief Deputy John Lowes stating, “We want to work with ICE to keep our community safe.” Lowes pointed to their jail statistics, noting that over 500 suspected noncitizens were booked last year on charges ranging from theft to sexual battery. Among these cases, ICE determined immigration enforcement was necessary in 64 arrests.

Even in a politically divided Texas, there is support for expanding immigration enforcement by working with ICE. Republican Rep. David Spiller wants new rules requiring local police to partner with federal immigration authorities. Spiller highlighted that Trump’s administration cannot deport all public safety risks without local support.

On-the-Ground Changes in Enforcement

Unlike the Obama and Biden administrations, which either scaled back or avoided extending 287(g) agreements, the Trump administration is eager to restore its full reach. Under President Joe Biden, ICE ended programs where local officers made immigration arrests in the field due to concerns about racial profiling. However, Trump’s team—including border czar Tom Homan—wants to reintroduce these field arrests through task forces involving local police.

To make participation easier, the administration is considering loosening detention facility regulations and reducing the amount of training required for officers joining 287(g). Such changes may allow more police departments to opt into the program quickly, encouraging broader participation.

Criticism and Concerns

Despite its claimed goals of boosting safety, critics argue that the 287(g) program creates significant problems. Immigrant advocates warn that local collaboration with ICE often leads to racial discrimination. For example, a civil rights investigation conducted in 2011 in Maricopa County, Arizona, concluded that the county’s 287(g) program resulted in systematic profiling of Latinos and illegal detentions. Following these findings, DHS terminated its agreement with the county. Some fear that expanding this program could result in similar issues elsewhere.

Groups like the American Immigration Council and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center argue that the program disrupts trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. They say residents may hesitate to report crimes or cooperate with police, fearing that even minor interactions could lead to deportation. Critics also point out that law enforcement agencies often lack the resources to take on additional immigration-related responsibilities without affecting their day-to-day policing.

In Hamilton County, for instance, officials assure critics that the program will focus solely on individuals already in jail, not targeting immigrants outside of detention. Chief Deputy Lowes said he hopes this approach will reduce crime by removing individuals deemed public safety risks. However, some lawmakers and community organizations, including Indiana’s Democratic state Sen. Rodney Pol, remain skeptical. Pol believes delegating immigration enforcement to local police “puts too much pressure” on officers and risks breaking up immigrant families. He says it can also strain relationships between officers and communities.

Others, like Nayna Gupta, policy director at the American Immigration Council, emphasize that misuse of these agreements can sometimes detain U.S. citizens and people with legal residency. Gupta insists that the risk of wrongful detentions requires careful oversight, which isn’t always guaranteed.

Impact Beyond Local Communities

The expansion of the 287(g) program underlines a broader strategy within Trump’s immigration platform. Assigning responsibilities to local police extends the federal government’s reach on immigration enforcement. However, the involvement of local agencies is reshaping how immigration issues intersect with state and community-level decisions.

Proponents argue that such partnerships help ensure public safety while addressing backlogs in federal enforcement efforts. Opponents counter that the federal government should improve its resources rather than relying on local officers who may not always be trained to handle immigration issues properly.

This debate is fueling significant state-level legislative activity. Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, and other states are channeling resources toward supporting agencies that participate in the program. These moves indicate a strong alignment between state lawmakers and Trump’s administration in enforcing immigration laws more aggressively.

Final Thoughts

Reactivating the 287(g) program underlines President Donald Trump’s strategy to strengthen immigration enforcement by involving local law enforcement. The administration’s moves, such as reducing training timelines and introducing legislation to support funding, are already increasing participation quickly. States like Florida and Texas are becoming hubs for this program, actively encouraging their law enforcement to engage in immigration duties.

However, the program faces considerable resistance from community leaders and immigrant rights groups. Critics argue that it risks racial profiling and strains relationships between immigrants and their local governments. Despite these concerns, proponents believe the program is necessary to address safety concerns and deport individuals without documentation who are deemed a risk.

The coming months will show whether this program delivers on its promises or sparks new challenges as immigration remains a deeply divisive issue. As reported by VisaVerge.com, debates surrounding immigration enforcement policies often highlight competing priorities—public safety on one hand and strong community relationships on the other. The long-term impact of this approach will depend on how it’s implemented and how communities react.

For detailed information on the 287(g) program, visit ICE’s official page at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Learn Today

287(g) Program → A federal program enabling local law enforcement to assist with identifying, detaining, and deporting unauthorized immigrants.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and investigating illegal activities involving cross-border policies.
Detention Facility Regulations → Rules governing the operation and management of facilities where individuals are held while awaiting immigration or legal procedures.
Racial Profiling → Discriminatory practice where individuals are targeted based on race or ethnicity rather than behavior or evidence.
Deportation → The removal of a non-citizen from a country because they have violated immigration laws.

This Article in a Nutshell

Trump’s revival of the 287(g) program empowers local police to assist in immigration enforcement, sparking intense debate. Proponents argue it enhances public safety by targeting undocumented individuals deemed risks. Critics warn it fosters racial profiling and erodes trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Its expansion highlights the nation’s divisive immigration policy struggles.
— By VisaVerge.com