Federal agreement turns local police into ICE agents: what you need to know

It's called the 287(g) Program. Ever heard of it? Well, it's been around since 1996 as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. Authorizing the Director of ICE to partner with state and local law enforcement, immigration agents may be closer than you think.

In an effort to "enhance the safety and security of communities," the 287(g) Program was implemented into the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows selected police officers to partake in limited immigration enforcement functions. If chosen, officers are permitted to ask about immigration status, perform background checks, hold individuals until ICE takes custody, make recommendations for detention, and start the removal process by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA).

So, which officers are chosen? According to the American Immigration Council, anyone who is a U.S. citizen with a minimum one-year of law enforcement experience is eligible. Once selected, deputized officers must complete a four-week training that is to be refreshed every two years.

ICE's official website describes the 287(g) Program as one that makes immigration enforcement "safer" and more "efficient". They express that this is because agents are able to engage with illegal immigrants in a "secure and controlled environment," as opposed to at-large arrests. Essentially, participating communities assist ICE in multiplying their jurisdiction throughout the nation.

One of these communities is our very own Knox County, which is the only area in the state of Tennessee under a 287(g) agreement. Originally adopted in 2017, Knox County recently renewed its partnership with ICE in May 2020. Upon renewal, Sheriff Tom Spangler stated in an interview with Knox News, "Don't commit a crime (and) you won't have to worry about us."

Despite claims from ICE and local law enforcement that 287(g) is beneficial, it has received considerable backlash. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that the agreement has led to illegal racial profiling and civil rights abuses. According to a report from WATE, some Knox County residents agree.

Whether you support the 287(g) Program or not, take this as a reminder that immigration laws don't end with the federal government. Delegation of power to state and local officials is nothing new, but this begs the question: Where does it stop?