What is a 287(g) Agreement?
Named after Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these agreements allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deputize state and local law enforcement officers to perform federal immigration functions.
While historically limited to jails, the program has evolved into three distinct models:
Jail Enforcement Model: Officers identify and process removable non-citizens already in local custody.
Warrant Service Officer (WSO) Model: Deputized officers execute administrative warrants of removal.
Task Force Model (TFM): The most controversial model, where officers can interrogate and arrest individuals for immigration violations during "routine" duties, like traffic stops.
The 2026 Surge: Data and Trends
The scale of expansion over the last year is unprecedented. According to recent reports from the ACLU and FWD.us:
Massive Growth: Participation has surged from approximately 135 agreements in early 2025 to over 1,370 agreements involving 1,169 agencies by early 2026.
Beyond Sheriffs: While once limited to county sheriffs, the program now includes municipal police, university campus security, and even state wildlife and lottery commissions.
Financial Incentives: Starting in late 2025, a new federal funding model began fully reimbursing local agencies for the salaries and benefits of deputized officers, creating a powerful "force multiplier" for ICE.
National Summary (as of March 2026)
Participating States: 40
Jail Enforcement Model (JEM): 152 agencies in 32 states
Warrant Service Officer (WSO): 472 agencies in 35 states
Task Force Model (TFM): 869 agencies in 35 states (The most significant area of growth)
| State | Total Agencies/Agreements (Approx.) | Key Trend |
| Texas | 250+ | Mandatory participation for most counties under SB 8 (2025). |
| Florida | 210+ | Heavy expansion into municipal police and university campuses. |
| Georgia | 95+ | Rapid adoption of the Task Force Model in suburban counties. |
| Alabama | 45+ | Significant surge in late 2025/early 2026. |
| South Carolina | 37 | Grew from just 3 agreements in 2025 to 37 in 2026. |
| Kentucky | 30 | 24 agencies signed, with 5 new ones in January 2026 alone. |
| Arkansas | 25+ | Includes State Police and National Guard participation. |
| Virginia | 22+ | High concentration in Northern Virginia and regional jails. |
| Arizona | 15+ | Mixture of JEM and new WSO agreements. |
| North Carolina | 14+ | Continued use in traditional high-enforcement counties. |
Other states with active (though fewer) agreements include: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (limited), Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Map from ice.gov
States with Zero or Restricted Participation
As of February 2026, the following states have passed "Trust Acts" or specific legislation banning or strictly prohibiting 287(g) agreements:
New Mexico (Banned 2026)
Maine (Banned 2026)
Maryland (Banned 2025/26)
California
Illinois
Oregon
Washington
New Jersey (Statewide directive limits cooperation)
Colorado
How to Check Your Specific County
Because the list is growing weekly, you can use these real-time tools to find your specific local agency:
ICE Official 287(g) List: The most direct source for active MOAs.
ILRC National Map: Provides a visual breakdown of which "model" your local police are using.
Prison Policy Initiative Tracker: Specifically tracks the 2025–2026 "Trump 2.0" expansion and provides dates of when local agencies joined.
Community Impact: The "Chilling Effect"
The expansion of 287(g) has ripple effects that extend far beyond those directly targeted for deportation:
Erosion of Trust: When local police act as immigration agents, immigrant communities become hesitant to report crimes, including domestic violence and human trafficking, out of fear of being flagged.
Racial Profiling: Civil rights groups warn that "show me your papers" policing leads to a spike in pretextual traffic stops targeting people of color.
Economic Disruption: In jurisdictions with high enforcement, businesses report labor shortages as families move to "Sanctuary" states to avoid the risk of detention.
Action Plan: How to Protect Your Community
If you live in a 287(g) jurisdiction, preparation is your best defense.
1. Know Your Rights (KYR)
Regardless of your status, you have constitutional protections:
The Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the U.S.
Do Not Sign: Never sign any documents without a lawyer present.
The "Warrant" Rule: If officers come to your home, do not open the door unless they slide a judicial warrant (signed by a judge, not just ICE) under the door.
2. Create a Family Preparedness Plan
Emergency Contacts: Designate a trusted person who has Power of Attorney to care for children or manage finances if you are detained.
Document Folder: Keep copies of birth certificates, passports, and any pending immigration receipts in a safe, accessible place.
3. Local Advocacy
Request Transparency: Ask your local City Council or Sheriff’s Office for the specific terms of their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ICE.
Support "Trust Acts": Join local coalitions pushing for state-level legislation that limits the use of local tax dollars for federal immigration enforcement.
Resources for Assistance
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union): Provides updated reports like "Deputized for Disaster" and legal support for civil rights violations.
ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center): Offers an interactive map to check if your local police participate in 287(g).
Informed Immigrant: A hub for state-specific resources and family preparedness templates.
The legal landscape is shifting rapidly. Staying informed is no longer just a recommendation—it is a necessity for community safety.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. It's essential to consult with an attorney for personalized guidance on your specific situation.
#Immigration #PublicSafety #USA #Rights #KeepFamiliesTogether #SanctuaryCities #KnowYourRights #ImmigrantStrong #287g #ICE #DHS
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