Local Police Joining Forces with ICE: A Growing Trend

In a move that has sparked debate, over 1, 250 local police departments across 40 states have teamed up with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This collaboration, known as the 287(g) program, allows local police to assist in immigration enforcement. The program has seen a significant increase in participation, with more agreements in place than ever before. Critics argue that this partnership shifts the focus of local police away from community safety. They claim it leads to racial profiling and diverts resources. Rep. Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, has been vocal about her concerns. She introduced the PROTECT Immigration Act to limit these partnerships, stating that immigration enforcement should be handled by federal authorities.In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that expands the role of state troopers in immigration enforcement. This law allows troopers to directly contact ICE or Border Patrol when they suspect someone is in the country illegally. As a result, Florida state troopers have made thousands of arrests and turned individuals over to federal immigration authorities. The debate intensifies in so-called "sanctuary" cities and states, where local authorities refuse to cooperate with ICE. In these areas, ICE is more active, trying to track down individuals who have been released from jail. This has led to tense situations, such as the case in Fairfax County, Virginia, where a released individual was later arrested for homicide.