Texas Police Joining Growing ICE Force

Three months into Donald Trump’s second term, deportation numbers remain lower than promised, but his administration is intensifying immigration enforcement by reviving controversial 287(g) task force agreements. These deals allow local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents—interrogating, arresting, and processing undocumented immigrants.

Nearly 200 agencies across 23 states have signed on, with Florida leading and Texas following. While ICE faces staffing shortages, local police and even the Texas National Guard are being enlisted to expand Trump’s crackdown. Critics warn this blurs the line between local policing and federal immigration enforcement, undermines due process, and promotes racial profiling.

A proposed Texas law may soon require sheriffs in populous counties to sign such agreements, raising concerns about forced cooperation and loss of local control. Despite the aggressive push, actual implementation is lagging as required federal training for these officers has yet to roll out.

Source: Texas Observer