Local law enforcement agencies are preparing to expand a contentious program that allows collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This comes as President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration decides how to carry out what could be the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
The 287(g) program was established by the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. The program grants ICE the authority to empower state and local police to carry out certain immigration enforcement tasks.
Under the program, ICE works with local law enforcement to identify and deport criminal undocumented immigrants in custody.
Currently, law enforcement agencies in 21 states participate in the program.
Critics, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue the program leads to racial profiling and creates fear within immigrant communities.
Supporters of the program deny accusations of racial profiling and targeting undocumented immigrants. They say enforcement occurs only after an individual has been arrested on other charges and is in custody at a jail or detention facility.
State and local Democratic leaders have said they won’t cooperate with Trump’s mass deportation plans.
Earlier this week, Denver Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston said he would be willing to go to jail rather than assist the federal government in removing violent undocumented immigrants.
In response, Trump’s new “border czar” Tom Homan said he is willing to put Mayor Johnston in jail.
Johnston later walked back his comments on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
“Are you willing to go to jail over this?” CNN anchor Erin Burnett asked Johnston.
“You know, I think there are thoughtful ways to solve this problem,” he responded. “If they want to focus on violent criminals, we’d be happy to help support pursuing, arresting, and deporting them. We’ve helped past administrations, and we would do that again.”
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland is part of the 287(g) program, and Sgt. Christopher Crespo told NBC News the program has been highly effective. He added that his department is preparing for changes as Trump’s inauguration draws closer.
