The Trump administration is exploring ways to revive a controversial program that deputizes state and local law enforcement officers to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants. This program, which had been halted during the Obama administration, is part of a broader push to enforce immigration laws more aggressively.
The Obama administration ended the program after allegations surfaced claiming that it led to racial profiling and mistreatment of immigrants. However, in a recent speech to the National Sheriffs’ Association, Russell Hott of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicated that the “task force model,” as the program is known, could make a comeback. The program permits ICE to authorize certain state and local officials to question and detain immigrants they come across during regular patrols.
The task force program was initially launched under the 287(g) provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1996 as a part of a tough crackdown on illegal immigration. However, the program was suspended in 2012 after multiple lawsuits and investigations revealed that local law enforcement officers were misusing the authority, leading to accusations of harassment, unlawful arrests, and inhumane treatment of immigrants.
Currently, the program is limited to jails, where ICE has trained more than 130 local law enforcement agencies to identify and process undocumented immigrants arrested on local charges. In some states, like Texas, this program has been widely endorsed, with Governor Greg Abbott being a vocal proponent. Local law enforcement officers in these areas use federal databases, question inmates, and assist in deportation proceedings.
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), warn that reintroducing the task force program could lead to more racial profiling and legal challenges. Spencer Amdur of the ACLU argued that local officials shouldn’t have the power to make immigration arrests without solid legal grounds, pointing to past abuses when similar programs were in place.
For conservatives, the idea of empowering local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws is seen as a way to take action against illegal immigration. While some see the potential for overreach, others argue it’s a necessary step to protect American communities from the effects of unchecked illegal immigration.