In recent months, hundreds of people have been detained by ICE not in mass raids, but after being arrested by local police officers who collaborate directly with immigration. What many don’t know is that more than 600 police agencies across the U.S. have active agreements with ICE to identify and turn over undocumented people.

This collaboration can increase your risk of being arrested, even for minor offenses, depending on the county where you live. Therefore, it is crucial to know: does your county have an agreement with ICE? Are you in a risk area?

In this blog, we explain how the 287(g) program works, which states have the most collaboration with ICE, and how to protect yourself if you live without legal status.

📈 Detentions and collaboration with ICE increase

Since Trump returned to the political fray, the number of people detained in immigration centers has increased by 25%, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). And much of this increase is due to a little-known but very impactful program: the 287(g) program.

This program allows local or state agents to work directly with ICE to identify and detain undocumented individuals.

🧾 What is the 287(g) program and how does it work?

The 287(g) program has three modalities:

1. Jail Enforcement Model:

It authorizes local jails to identify and prosecute undocumented people who are already in custody for other crimes.

2. Task Force Model:

Allows local police to participate in street operations under ICE supervision. They receive 40 hours of online training.

3. Warrant Service Officer Program:

Local officers are trained by ICE to execute administrative arrest warrants inside local jails.

🗺️ How many agencies are participating?

As of June 2025, there are 629 active agreements between local agencies and ICE.

• Florida accounts for 43% of those deals.
• It is followed by Texas with 14%.

🔍 You can check below if your county has an agreement with ICE

🛡️ What about California?

Although California is a sanctuary state, with laws like the California Values Act, that doesn’t stop ICE from operating. What it does limit is the cooperation between local police and ICE.
This means that:

• State and local police cannot stop or investigate people just because of immigration issues.
• But ICE can act on its own.

Even under the Trump administration, the National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles during protests over immigration arrests.

📢 What can you do?

• Find out if your county partners with ICE.
• Have a family immigration emergency plan.
• If you are undocumented and are afraid of wrongful detention, consult with an immigration attorney.
• Having a case in process or legal counsel can make a big difference.

📲 Do you need help with your case or want to know if you are at risk because of where you live?
Call us today at 202-709-6439 or schedule your free evaluation. We can help protect you.

With information from USA Today and Ice.gov