Local police departments across America are receiving a major boost under President Donald Trump’s second term, as cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and state and local law enforcement agencies surges to historic levels.
Newly analyzed ICE data cited by NBC News shows that agreements allowing local officers to assist with federal immigration enforcement have increased by nearly 950% in just one year.
For many Americans concerned about border security, crime, and the rule of law, the numbers signal a dramatic shift in national immigration policy.
ICE 287(g) Program Expands Rapidly Under Trump
At the center of this expansion is the federal 287(g) program, often referred to as the “task force model.” This initiative allows trained local officers to enforce certain federal immigration laws in partnership with ICE.
As of January 26, 1,168 law enforcement agencies now have officers trained to assist federal immigration authorities.
By comparison:
- 135 agencies participated during the Biden administration
- 150 agencies were active at the end of Trump’s first term
The dramatic increase reflects the administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, border control, and public safety cooperation between federal and local officials.
ICE officials say these partnerships are essential to:
- Removing criminal illegal immigrants
- Reducing strain on federal agents
- Enhancing community safety
- Strengthening national security
Federal Funding Incentives Strengthen Local Law Enforcement
Unlike in previous years, departments participating in the program are also eligible for significant federal support.
ICE has offered:
- Up to $7,500 per trained officer for equipment
- Up to $100,000 per agency for vehicles
- Overtime reimbursement assistance
According to estimates from immigration policy groups, local agencies could collectively receive between $1.4 billion and $2 billion this year under the administration’s broader immigration enforcement funding initiative.
For many local departments operating under tight budgets, this funding represents a substantial boost.
States Leading the Immigration Enforcement Push
The expansion is especially strong in states that prioritize border security and law enforcement cooperation.
States with the highest number of agreements include:
- Florida (342 agreements)
- Texas (296 agreements)
- Tennessee (63 agreements)
- Pennsylvania (58 agreements)
- Alabama (52 agreements)
In total, 39 states are now participating in ICE’s expanded partnership model.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry recently signed an executive order directing state agencies to cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement operations — a move supporters say reinforces law and order.
Supporters Say Policy Restores Law and Order
Backers of the program argue that empowering local officers to assist federal immigration enforcement helps:
- Target criminal illegal immigrants
- Deter human trafficking and drug smuggling
- Improve coordination between agencies
- Protect American communities
They say the surge in participation shows local governments are responding to voter concerns about border security and crime.
Critics Voice Civil Liberties Concerns
Some local officials have declined to participate, citing resource allocation concerns.
The Dallas Police Department reportedly opted out, stating that officers should remain focused on core public safety responsibilities.
Officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, have said they will not enforce civil immigration detainers without judicial warrants.
Reports have also highlighted instances where license plate reader systems — including some installed by school districts — were used in immigration-related investigations. The company Flock Safety stated that it does not provide direct access to federal agencies and that data-sharing decisions are made by local customers.
Public Opinion Remains Split on Immigration Enforcement
Polling indicates that Americans remain divided on immigration policy.
An NBC News Decision Desk Poll found that:
- 60% disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration
- 40% approve
- 27% strongly approve
While critics remain vocal, the data shows continued strong support among voters who prioritize border security and immigration enforcement.
A Historic Expansion of Federal-Local Cooperation
With more than 1,100 agencies now participating, the administration’s approach represents one of the largest expansions of federal-local immigration enforcement cooperation in modern history.
Supporters view it as a decisive move to restore law and order and strengthen public safety. Critics argue it raises constitutional and civil liberties questions.
What is clear is that immigration enforcement remains one of the defining issues of President Trump’s second term — and the administration is moving aggressively to reshape how federal and local authorities work together.