The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that more than 1,000 state and local law enforcement agencies now participate in the 287(g) program, a significant increase in cooperation to identify and remove criminal illegal aliens.
The 287(g) program allows trained local and state officers to assist federal immigration officers in arresting and processing individuals who commit serious crimes, including murder, gang activity, sexual assault, terrorism, and child exploitation. Federal officials said the expansion represents a 641% increase in partnerships, up from 135 agreements to 1,001.
ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said the program is central to the administration’s public safety strategy. “ICE is not only supercharging our hiring, we are also multiplying partnerships with state and local law enforcement to remove the worst of the worst including murderers, gang members, rapists, terrorists, and pedophiles from our country,” Sheahan said. She added that under the One Big Beautiful Bill, local agencies that partner with DHS will now be reimbursed for their participation.
Beginning October 1, ICE will cover the full salary and benefits of trained 287(g) officers, including overtime up to 25% of their annual salary. Law enforcement agencies will also be eligible for quarterly performance awards based on the successful location of illegal aliens identified by ICE and overall assistance in advancing enforcement operations. The awards range from $500 to $1,000 per eligible officer, depending on the performance level.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem credited the program’s expansion to a “whole-of-government” approach that leverages local partnerships as a force multiplier. DHS officials said agencies in 40 states, from border counties to large metropolitan police departments, now work directly with federal immigration enforcement.
“By joining forces with ICE, you’re not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities—you’re becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family,” Sheahan said.
Federal officials encouraged state and local agencies to sign agreements, saying the program gives law enforcement the authority and resources needed to confront dangerous criminals in communities across the country.
