950% Surge in ICE-Local Law Enforcement Partnerships Under Trump’s Second Term

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 16 February 2026 12:00 PM EST

A new analysis of ICE data reveals that agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement enabling officers to make federal immigration arrests have increased by 950% within the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term.

As of January 26, 1,168 agencies now have officers trained to assist ICE—a figure up from 135 during the Biden administration and 150 at the end of Trump’s first term.

The Trump administration has revived and expanded the so-called “task force” model, also known as the 287(g) program, which deputizes local officers to enforce federal immigration law.

ICE states that these partnerships are essential for protecting communities and upholding immigration laws, describing cooperation with state and local agencies as critical to fulfilling its mission.

Under the program, local officers receive training and, in some cases, federal funding incentives. ICE has offered up to $7,500 per trained officer for equipment, $100,000 for vehicles, and overtime pay assistance.

An estimate indicates local agencies may receive between $1.4 billion and $2 billion this year through the administration’s broader immigration funding initiatives.

States leading in these agreements are Florida (342), Texas (296), Tennessee (63), Pennsylvania (58), and Alabama (52).

Supporters argue that the expansion empowers local communities to crack down on criminal illegal immigrants and reduce strain on federal resources.

Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry recently issued an executive order directing state agencies to cooperate with federal immigration operations, even as some local leaders in New Orleans expressed hesitation.

Critics, however, warn of overreach.

Some departments have declined participation due to concerns that officers would be diverted from core public safety responsibilities, including the Dallas Police Department.

Officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, stated they would not enforce civil immigration orders without judicial warrants.

Recent reports indicate that some local law enforcement agencies have used school district license plate reader systems to aid in federal immigration investigations.

Audit records show that officers across multiple states conducted immigration-related searches through camera networks that include devices installed by school systems.

The company behind these cameras states it does not provide direct access to federal authorities and that data-sharing decisions are made by local agencies.

Law enforcement officials have defended such activities as part of broader public safety initiatives.

A poll indicates that 60% disapprove of the administration’s approach to immigration following recent high-profile enforcement actions. However, 40% expressed approval, with 27% strongly approving—a sentiment reflecting ongoing support from voters who prioritize border security.

With 39 states now participating in ICE’s expanded partnership model, the administration’s strategy represents one of the most aggressive federal-local immigration enforcement collaborations in recent years—an approach that supporters claim restores law and order while critics argue it raises civil liberties concerns.