Cooperation Agreements Between ICE and Local Police Forces Rise 950% in Past Year

Agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local police that permit officers to make federal immigration arrests have increased by 950% during the first year of President Trump's second term, according to a recent analysis of ICE data from FWD.us.

The Details: During the first year of Trump's second term, 287(g) agreements – as they are known – rose from 135 to 1,372. ICE has 287(g) agreements with law enforcement bodies in 39 states so far, including 342 in Florida, 296 in Texas, 63 in Tennessee, and 58 in Pennsylvania.

For Context: Under Section 287(g) of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, ICE is able to delegate federal immigration enforcement duties to state, local, or tribal leaders. In September 2025, ICE announced that it would expand its funding for such agreements to include payment of salaries and start-up costs. 

Key Quote: Late last week, in a statement, ICE wrote, "ICE recognizes the importance of its relationships with law enforcement partners—including state, local, and tribal agencies—to carry out its critical mission. Through the delegation of specified immigration officer duties, the program allows ICE to enhance collaboration with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect the homeland."

Maryland News: The Maryland General Assembly passed a law on Thursday that would ban 287(g) agreements in the state, and Democratic Governor Wes Moore is expected to sign it. Newsmax (Right) reported speaking to several sheriffs who said they will keep working with ICE despite the ban.

How The Media Covered It: The analysis received some mainstream attention, though it was not the most widely covered story. Common Dreams (Left) framed its headline through the billions in funding allotted for 287(g) agreements via the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act and said Trump is working to "deputize" local police forces.

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