A Florida Highway Patrol officer examines a photo of an undocumented immigrant before a press conference at the ICE Removal Operations Building in Miramar, Florida, on November 13, 2025. Florida’s law enforcement agencies maintain one of the highest cooperation rates with ICE in the nation.
Joe Radle/Getty Images North America
The federal government is shifting from the aggressive tactics previously deployed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota to a more discreet partnership model with local police departments across the United States.
Markwayn Mullin, the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, reinforced this approach during his confirmation hearing, stating the importance of collaborative efforts in immigration enforcement. He emphasized a strategy where ICE operates more as a supportive entity rather than the primary enforcer, suggesting, “If we can get back to simply working with law enforcement, we’ll go to them and pick up criminals from prison.”
An official from the Department of Homeland Security echoed Mullin’s sentiments, noting ICE’s goal to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to bolster efforts aimed at improving public safety and immigration enforcement across America.
Reasons Behind the Shift in Tactics
The aggressive enforcement seen in Minnesota involved forceful tactics that included violent arrests and the use of tear gas in public areas. Such heavy-handed approaches attracted widespread criticism, with a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll indicating that two-thirds of Americans believe ICE often oversteps its bounds.
Collaboration Between ICE and Local Law Enforcement
The revised focus on local collaboration is exemplified by the federal 287(g) program, which permits local law enforcement officers to carry out certain immigration duties traditionally managed by ICE. Historically, this program has been in place for years, but its adoption surged during President Trump’s administration, with an increase from 45 agreements in 2019 to over 1,600 agreements across 39 states by 2025.
A report from the ACLU highlighted that approximately one-third of the U.S. population resides in counties where local police districts have entered into 287(g) agreements. This collaboration allows local officers to enforce immigration laws, often during routine traffic stops, a strategy ICE has termed a “Force Multiplier.”
Community Impact of Local Police-ICE Partnerships
In states such as Florida and Texas, new laws mandate local police participation in the 287(g) program. The ACLU’s report indicates that over 40 million residents live in jurisdictions where law enforcement has signed these agreements. Florida, matching Texas, boasts the highest number of 287(g) partnerships in the nation.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis, enforcement has intensified, with incentives offered to law enforcement agencies for participation in the program. This has led to training where state troopers incorporate immigration checks during minor traffic violations, resulting in a surge in arrests. Since last August, local agencies in Florida alone have reported about 10,000 immigrant arrests, particularly affecting communities like Palm Beach County and Lake Worth Beach.
Residents often find it difficult to identify when immigration enforcement occurs due to the discreet nature of these collaborations. Advocates note that this contrasts sharply with earlier, more visible enforcement methods, leading to fears of increased covert crackdowns across the country.
Perceptions Among Law Enforcement
Agencies engaging in the 287(g) program sometimes receive federal incentives, including funding for salaries and equipment. However, some sheriffs are also motivated by ideological alignment with the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Concerns persist among law enforcement leaders that close ties with federal authorities may compromise trust within communities, particularly among undocumented residents who may hesitate to report crimes.
In Florida, recent arrests have sparked discontent even among some of DeSantis’s staunchest supporters, highlighting a growing debate about the direction of immigration enforcement policies. While many sheriffs advocate for strict measures against illegal immigrants, some recognize the need for a more nuanced approach for law-abiding residents contributing to society.
