De-ICE-ing the Police

ICE partnerships with local law enforcement triple as Trump continues deportation crackdown

467 current ICE agreements with another 63 pending!

Proper leadership of police in a free society such as ours requires separation between various law enforcement functions in society. Police in a democracy depend on the “consent of the governed/policed;” that is, trust between the people policed and their police is essential and necessary in order for police officers to be trusted, consulted — and effective!. 

For example, it would be dysfunctional for local police to be able to enforce IRS matter regarding non-payment of taxes or for police to enforce laws outside of those surrounding health and safety regulations.

Currently, most mayors in our larger cities are going along with their police chiefs by stating that it is not a good idea for their police to enforce immigration laws because in doing so it puts a whole population of their residents who may have immigration issues in physical danger; that is, a person who is worried about being detained for their resident status would be reluctant to report being victimized. They would avoid police contact even if they were raped or robbed!

But that is quickly changing as the news article below suggests. Now some cities may hold out — for a while — because it is the right way to protect everyone in their city. But I suggest it will quickly change as federal authorities threaten to withhold funding for several vital city functions — transportation for one — if the city doesn’t sign an ICE agreement.

“As President Trump aims to carry out what he’s called ‘the largest mass deportation in history,’ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been rapidly expanding a program that deputizes local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement duties.

“As of Thursday afternoon, April 17, there were 456 active 287(g) agreements, or partnerships between ICE and local agencies — more than three times as many as there were in December 2024, according to data on ICE’s website. An additional 63 agreements were still pending…”

Read the full article from CBS here.

So, here’s a warning. If local police join ICE agents in enforcing immigration laws and rules it will negatively affect and alter a community-oriented style of policing that depends on trust and cooperation. What’s the alternative? A policing style that depends more on intimidation and fear than truth and cooperation.

And that will be a loss for all America – not just our police.