In recent years, the partnership between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement has grown considerably. As of April 2025, there are 456 active 287(g) agreements, a threefold increase since December 2024. These agreements allow local police to enforce immigration laws, which has led to over 1,100 partnerships established by November 2025, including 650 counties. Nearly half of these agreements are in Florida, largely due to a 2022 state law that mandates participation.
The 287(g) agreements come in different models. The jail book-in model lets police ask about a person’s immigration status during the intake process. The task force model allows officers to check immigration status during routine stops, like traffic violations. Critics argue that this model can lead to racial profiling and unfair detentions based solely on immigration status. The warrant officer model permits local officers to execute federal immigration warrants.
The 287(g) agreements enable varying enforcement models, raising concerns about racial profiling and community trust.
Participation in these programs is high in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Local officials in Florida, including county commissioners and universities, have embraced these agreements, driven by Republican-led legislation. Meanwhile, states like New Jersey have maintained cooperation levels even after elections shifted political landscapes. Local law enforcement agencies in 38 states have signed agreements with ICE, highlighting the widespread adoption of these policies.
ICE arrests have surged, with over 1,000 arrests daily reported in 2025. Many of these arrests occur in local jails, where the number has risen considerably since earlier in the year. This trend is particularly strong in states that actively collaborate with ICE, with nearly 48% of ICE arrests occurring out of local jails.
The resource demands on local law enforcement are substantial, as they must cover training and operational costs without federal funding.
The 287(g) program has faced scrutiny for potential racial profiling and its impact on community trust. Studies indicate that these practices can lead to a chilling effect, discouraging people from seeking help from police for fear of deportation.
The partnership between ICE and local law enforcement continues to reshape the landscape of U.S. law enforcement.
