Key Takeaways
- On March 17, 2025, Georgia announced training all 1,100 DPS officers under the federal 287(g) program to enforce immigration laws.
- The training, funded by ICE, requires a finalized MOA and will enable DPS officers to assist in immigration enforcement under federal oversight.
- Georgia’s plan aligns with HB 1105, mandating local law enforcement participation in immigration enforcement or risking penalties like loss of state funding.
On March 17, 2025, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp announced significant measures to strengthen the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. Directing the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), Governor Kemp declared that all 1,100 sworn DPS officers would be trained under the federal 287(g) program by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision places Georgia at the center of state-led immigration enforcement efforts, aiming to enhance public safety and address concerns regarding illegal immigration. As a result, Georgia is set to become a leading example of how state and federal partnerships can shape immigration policies.
Governor Kemp’s initiative underscores Georgia’s long-term dedication to addressing illegal immigration from a public safety perspective. By enabling state officers to take part in specific immigration enforcement tasks, the state seeks to improve its ability to identify and remove individuals who pose threats to local communities. This bold decision is seen as a critical step in Georgia’s commitment to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The 287(g) Program: Strengthening State and Federal Collaboration
The 287(g) program was established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It provides a framework for federal and local collaboration, allowing state and local law enforcement officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties following specialized ICE training. This program has become a powerful tool for states wishing to participate more actively in enforcing immigration laws.
Governor Kemp’s directive expands Georgia’s use of the program by training all 1,100 DPS officers to identify and apprehend people in the U.S. illegally, specifically those involved in criminal activities. Once trained, these officers will have the authority to assist ICE in identifying individuals who have violated immigration laws. However, they will operate under strict federal supervision to ensure compliance with federal law, protecting the integrity and consistency of immigration enforcement.
During his announcement, Governor Kemp reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, saying, “If you are in our country illegally and committing crimes, you have no place in Georgia.” This statement highlights the dual purpose of the program: to uphold immigration laws while addressing criminal risks efficiently. The training process, funded entirely by ICE, will begin once a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DPS and the federal agency is finalized. This agreement is expected to implement the Task Force Model of the 287(g) program in Georgia, further deepening the state’s cooperation with federal authorities.
Georgia’s Legislative Strategy and the Role of HB 1105
Governor Kemp’s announcement follows a comprehensive legislative approach to immigration enforcement in Georgia, most notably through the signing of House Bill (HB) 1105, known as the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act. Passed in May 2024, HB 1105 requires local law enforcement to work with federal authorities on immigration matters, mandating verification of individuals’ immigration status upon arrest and participation in the 287(g) program within local jails. Officials or agencies failing to comply with the act face significant consequences, such as losing state funding and even misdemeanor charges.
This aggressive legislative stance stems from Georgia’s broader focus on improving public safety following high-profile incidents linked to issues involving undocumented individuals. One such incident was the tragic death of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student, in 2024. The case galvanized public opinion and led to renewed calls for tougher accountability measures. By embracing the 287(g) program, Governor Kemp’s new directive builds on the state’s legislative gains, reinforcing existing policies with additional enforcement tools.
The involvement of all sworn DPS officers will allow for greater statewide implementation of immigration enforcement laws, fulfilling the objectives set by HB 1105 and addressing community safety concerns. Governor Kemp’s latest action reflects a cohesive strategy that links legislative measures with operational readiness, ensuring that state law enforcement agencies are equipped to manage the challenges associated with illegal immigration effectively.
What the Announcement Means for Public Safety
The immediate impact of training 1,100 DPS officers under the 287(g) program is an increase in Georgia’s capacity to address crimes associated with illegal immigration. These officers will soon have the authority to assist ICE in identifying and detaining individuals who may jeopardize public safety. This expanded network of trained law enforcement personnel is expected to enhance coordination between state and federal agencies while improving the speed and accuracy of enforcement operations.
Through the support and resources of ICE, Georgia is positioning itself as a key player in immigration enforcement. Officers trained under the program will gain crucial skills that allow them to navigate complex federal immigration standards while performing their duties effectively and lawfully. This training initiative not only strengthens Georgia’s ability to handle immigration cases but also sets a strong precedent for other states considering similar approaches.
As DPS officers prepare to join the program, Georgia introduces an element of increased accountability into its immigration enforcement policies. By improving collaboration and coordination, the state places public safety as a top priority. Additionally, the comprehensive training will ensure that state law enforcement personnel fully understand the legal and operational complexities of their new immigration enforcement roles.
Georgia’s Longstanding Commitment to Immigration Policy
Georgia has consistently been at the forefront of immigration enforcement among U.S. states. Its participation in the 287(g) program started over a decade ago, with counties such as Gwinnett, Cobb, Hall, and Whitfield acting as early adopters. In recent years, additional local jurisdictions, including Bartow and Floyd counties and the Georgia Department of Corrections, have joined. By January 2025, 34 jurisdictions across Georgia were participating in some form of the 287(g) program, demonstrating the state’s broad adoption of federal-state partnership models.
Governor Kemp himself has championed immigration enforcement throughout his tenure. In February 2024, he sent Georgia National Guard troops to assist at the U.S.–Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star alongside Texas authorities, further highlighting Georgia’s commitment to addressing border and immigration concerns. The deployment marked a symbolic and practical move as the state sought to align itself with federal efforts to manage concerns about immigration and crime.
Governor Kemp’s focus extends beyond individual cases, reflecting a broader strategy that links local and state efforts with national priorities. This combination of on-the-ground policy action and high-level legislative strategy ensures a comprehensive and unified approach to the issue.
Balancing Immigration Enforcement and Broader Concerns
While Georgia’s expanded use of the 287(g) program promises to improve public safety, the initiative has also sparked debates regarding its broader social implications. Critics worry about potential misuse, such as racial profiling and erosion of trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. There is also concern that such measures could create hesitancy among immigrant populations to report crimes or cooperate with authorities.
Nevertheless, the 287(g) program includes federally mandated safeguards designed to maintain legal compliance and minimize the risk of overreach. Officers operating under the program must adhere to federal guidelines, which are meant to ensure that individuals’ civil rights are thoroughly respected. Georgia officials emphasize that the purpose is not to target specific communities but to address concerns tied to illegal immigration and public safety.
Larger Trends and Georgia’s Role
Georgia’s decision to train all DPS officers under the 287(g) program reflects a growing movement among states seeking more influence in enforcing immigration laws. Around the country, states with high immigrant populations have tightened enforcement practices, citing public safety and accountability as primary motivators. Governor Kemp’s directive places Georgia as a leader in this trend, demonstrating a bold commitment to using state resources within the parameters of federal laws.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, programs like 287(g) can serve as important tools for states aiming to address immigration concerns while fostering collaborative frameworks. However, states implementing such programs must carefully balance enforcement with community impact, ensuring that public trust in law enforcement remains strong.
A Step Toward Enhanced Safety and Accountability
The decision to integrate 1,100 DPS officers into the 287(g) program is a landmark move for Georgia. By expanding state and federal collaboration, Governor Kemp seeks to create a safer environment in which immigration laws are strongly enforced without ignoring the broader social considerations.
With this initiative, Georgia is not only strengthening its public safety framework but also taking decisive action to address concerns linked to illegal immigration. Governor Kemp’s focus on accountability offers a practical model for other states considering similar measures. By leveraging existing partnerships with ICE, Georgia underscores its commitment to addressing illegal immigration with both determination and responsibility.
For more detailed information about the 287(g) program and how it operates, visit the official ICE webpage on the 287(g) program. Georgia’s proactive approach signals a clear path forward, aiming to balance safety with equity within the state’s communities.
Learn Today
287(g) Program → A federal partnership allowing state/local officers to perform specific immigration enforcement tasks after specialized ICE training.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) → A formal document outlining terms for collaboration between entities, often used in government partnerships like the 287(g) program.
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 → U.S. legislation introducing stricter immigration controls, including creating the 287(g) program for state-federal collaboration.
Public Safety → The welfare and protection of the public, often used to justify immigration enforcement policies aimed at reducing crime.
Operation Lone Star → A joint border enforcement initiative involving state and federal resources, focusing on illegal immigration and related crime prevention.
This Article in a Nutshell
Georgia Leads in Immigration Enforcement: A Bold Step Forward
On March 17, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp announced training all 1,100 Georgia DPS officers under ICE’s 287(g) program. This initiative empowers officers to identify criminally involved undocumented individuals, enhancing public safety through federal-state collaboration. Balancing enforcement with accountability, Georgia sets a powerful example in tackling immigration challenges while safeguarding communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
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