Police and Immigration Enforcement
In West Michigan, we value strong neighborhoods built on trust, safety, and opportunity. As Lightkeepers, it’s important to understand how policies, like 287(g) agreements, shape the experiences of our neighbors, friends, and families. These agreements, which allow local law enforcement to take on certain federal immigration duties, can greatly impact how people interact with police and access community resources. By learning more about 287(g) agreements, we can make informed decisions and continue working together to ensure our community remains welcoming, safe, and supportive for everyone who calls it home.
A 287(g) agreement is a formal partnership between local or state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
Types of 287(g) Agreements
There are three main models:
Warrant Service Officer Model: Local officers are trained and authorized to serve and execute ICE warrants on people already in custody in their agency’s jail.
Jail Enforcement Model: Corrections officers in jails are deputized to interrogate arrested noncitizens about their immigration status and issue “ICE holds,” which can keep someone in jail longer than they would otherwise be held.
Task Force Model: The broadest model, allowing local police to act as ICE agents during their regular law enforcement duties—including stopping, questioning, arresting, and transporting people based solely on suspected immigration violations. This model was previously discontinued due to civil rights concerns but has recently been revived.
Under the current Trump administration, the number of 287(g) agreements has dramatically increased. As of December 2024, there were about 135 agreements in place. In recent months, the program has expanded to hundreds of new jurisdictions, with over 600 agencies participating and more pending.
Community Impact
287(g) agreements have significant effects on local communities:
Racial Profiling: These agreements increase the risk of racial profiling and civil rights violations by local law enforcement.
Fear and Distrust: Undocumented people may avoid reporting crimes or coming forward as witnesses, fearing any contact with police could lead to immigration enforcement.
Resource Diversion: Local law enforcement may spend more time on immigration enforcement, diverting attention from other community policing priorities.
Family Separation: The agreements can lead to detaining individuals solely for immigration issues, even after they’ve been cleared of any criminal charges.
Is My Community Affected?
To find out if your local law enforcement agency has a 287(g) agreement, view the interactive national map from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) or check ICE’s official 287(g) page for the most current list.
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