Trump's Strategy to Expedite Mass Deportations Through Revived ICE Program

Introduced in 1996 under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, the 287(g) Program allows ICE to delegate specific immigration enforcement responsibilities to state and local police, with federal oversight. According to ICE, the primary goal is to "identify and remove non-citizens subject to removal from the United States." In practical terms, trained officers gain access to immigration databases and can issue detainers for individuals arrested on local charges, keeping them in custody while ICE decides on deportation.

As of May 2024, official ICE data indicated that 60 law enforcement agencies across 16 states were participating in the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM), while 75 agencies in 11 states operated under a more limited model. In Fiscal Year 2022, the 287(g) Program identified approximately 492 non-citizens convicted of assault, 696 for dangerous drug offenses, 254 for sex crimes/assaults, 171 for obstructing police, 117 for weapons offenses, and 36 for homicide, as reported by ICE.

Supporters and Opponents Weigh In

Advocates like Jeffrey Gahler, sheriff of Harford County in Maryland, contend that the program does not involve randomly stopping individuals and demanding "show me your papers," but rather focuses on those arrested for crimes. Gahler believes undocumented immigrants should be accountable for illegal actions besides breaking immigration laws.

Conversely, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) assert that the program encourages racial profiling and undermines trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Todd Schulte from FWD.us highlighted that this policy "harms families, worsens public safety, and damages the economy." Even within ICE, there are disputes about the program's efficacy. Jason Houser, former chief of staff at ICE, suggested that in rural areas, resources spent training local officers could be better allocated to more effective activities, like tracking immigrants with serious criminal records.

Future Outlook Under Trump's Leadership

With Trump's potential return to power, mass deportations are expected to escalate, and the full activation of the 287(g) Program is imminent. "On day one, President Trump will unleash every lever of his power to secure the border and launch the largest deportation operation of illegal immigrant criminals in history," declared Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump's transition team.

During a recent visit to Texas, Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE and current key immigration adviser, stated, "We won't wait until January. We will implement a plan and protect this nation." He also promised to "take the handcuffs off ICE," which has been interpreted as a commitment to loosen previous restrictions placed on the agency during the Joe Biden administration.

The 287(g) Program could become a legal battleground, pitting local governments against the Federal Administration. Criticism mounts when examining cases of abuse and the lack of preparation among local forces to handle immigration functions, as highlighted by multiple activists and organizations. With Trump's inauguration, the 287(g) Program is poised to become a central piece of his immigration policy, but its resurgence also promises to ignite legal and social conflicts that may persist throughout his tenure.