President Donald Trump’s administration has dramatically expanded its immigration enforcement strategy by partnering with over 560 state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in deportation efforts. This marks a 316% increase in such agreements compared to the previous administration, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo. The initiative leverages Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal oversight.
Under these agreements, local law enforcement officers are authorized to access federal immigration databases, identify the immigration status of arrestees, and issue ICE detainers to hold individuals until federal custody is assumed. This collaboration aims to bolster the administration’s goal of deporting at least one million illegal aliens annually.
Since January 20, these partnerships have resulted in over 1,100 arrests of individuals identified as dangerous criminal illegal aliens. Additionally, more than 5,000 officers nationwide have been trained to support ICE operations within their communities.
A notable outcome of this initiative is “Operation Tidal Wave,” a joint effort between ICE and Florida law enforcement agencies. In its initial phase, nearly 800 illegal aliens were arrested within four days, including individuals with serious criminal backgrounds such as rape, murder, and gang affiliations.
The administration emphasizes that jurisdictions not participating in these agreements are limited in their ability to support federal immigration enforcement, lacking access to critical databases and the authority to initiate ICE detainers. This expansion of local-federal cooperation is presented as a strategic move to enhance public safety and uphold the rule of law.
