As the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown continues, the number of agreements between Homeland Security and local law enforcement are on the rise — including in Arizona.
The 287g agreements are generally made between ICE and local law enforcement — like sheriff’s offices. And it allows local entities to take part in immigration enforcement, either in jails or while serving warrants.
A bill crafted by GOP state lawmakers that would have forced local Arizona jurisdictions to be more involved in federal immigration enforcement. It was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs earlier this year.
Still, ICE’s website shows eight law enforcement agencies in Arizona have agreements. Navajo and Yuma counties are the most recent additions, with Yuma joining just this month.
“The 287g agreements are going to allow a vast expansion of personnel that are available to ICE or to DHS writ large to conduct immigration enforcement,” said Syracuse University law professor William Banks, who specializes in military affairs.
The Trump administration is asking states to provide some 21,000 National Guard troops to assist the DHS at the border and within the U.S. Those troops would be doing various deportation and detention tasks, according to reporting by NPR.
Banks says if such troops are provided, it would also be in the form of a 287g agreement. But, rather than with individual counties or city police departments, it would be with the state.
Yuma and Navajo counties did not respond to questions about the details of their new agreements.
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Part of a 2024 ballot measure that will create a state-level immigration system is set to take effect on Tuesday. -
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Mexico will request criminal charges over 17 Mexicans who died in ICE custody or during immigration enforcement operations by the Trump administration, officials said Thursday.
