ICE publishes monthly report on 287(g) enforcement actions
WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun highlighting the results of its 287(g) partnerships in a monthly online report. The reports detail examples of enforcement actions made as a direct result of the cooperation agreements between state and local law enforcement partners and the federal agency.
“Removing criminal aliens from our communities improves public safety,” said ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Matthew T. Albence. “This program allows local police to identify and turn over to ICE those criminal aliens arrested in their jurisdictions who are living illegally in the U.S. After their criminal case is complete, ICE may take immigration enforcement action on these criminals – removing these bad actors from the streets and the eliminating their opportunity to reoffend.”
In fiscal year (FY) 2019, the 287(g) program resulted in almost 25,000 law enforcement encounters with aliens in the custody of participating jurisdictions.
ICE has agreements with 139 law enforcement agencies in 24 states. Of those, 74 agreements are 287(g) jail enforcement model and 65 are warrant service officer model agreements. The 287(g) jail model agreement allows local law enforcement agencies to participate as an active partner in identifying criminal aliens in their custody, and place ICE detainers on these individuals.
ICE does not require law enforcement agencies to participate in 287(g). In fact, law enforcement agencies must request to participate in the 287(g) program and enter into a memorandum of agreement that defines the scope, duration and limitations of the delegation of authority. It also sets forth the training requirements, the terms of ICE supervision, and requires the partnering law enforcement agency to follow U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE policies when its designated immigration officers perform delegated immigration enforcement functions.
The 287(g) program allows ICE to have a presence at local jails across the country. Through training and with oversight, local officers can screen those booked into local custody on criminal charges and process the immigration case for ICE supervisory review.
The goal of 287(g) is to enhance public safety by identifying aliens, lodging immigration detainers, and initiating removal proceedings by issuing charging documents on criminal and removable aliens booked into the jail facility.
Law enforcement agencies interested in becoming a partner under the 287(g) program are encouraged to email ERO287g@ice.dhs.gov for more information on how to apply.
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