ICE Shifts to Quieter Immigration Enforcement with Local Police Partnerships
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is transitioning from high-profile enforcement operations to a more subdued approach by partnering with local law enforcement agencies. This shift follows the controversial and aggressive tactics used during a recent operation in Minnesota, which faced significant public backlash. The new strategy emphasizes the federal 287(g) program, allowing local police to perform some duties of ICE officers. This program has seen a substantial increase in participation, with over 1,600 agreements across 39 states, particularly in Florida and Texas. These partnerships have led to a significant rise in immigration arrests by local agencies, with Florida reporting at least 10,000 arrests since last August. The approach has sparked concerns about racial profiling and community trust, as local police now play a more active role in immigration enforcement.