ACLU of Wyoming Reports Disparities in ICE Contract Approvals Across Counties
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wyoming has revealed significant inconsistencies in how county boards approve contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under 287(g) agreements. These agreements allow local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, and the ACLU’s findings highlight a lack of transparency and oversight in the decision-making process.
In response to a public records request, the ACLU discovered that several counties, including Campbell, Hot Springs, Lincoln, and Natrona, could not provide documentation showing any formal review or approval of agreements by their county commissions prior to adoption by local sheriffs. Conversely, the Carbon County Commission formally endorsed the 287(g) program following a presentation from Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken in 2025. In Crook County, a resolution dating back to 1998 authorized the sheriff to enter agreements with external law enforcement agencies, while the Sweetwater County Commission retroactively ratified contracts made by former Sheriff John Grossnickle with ICE since 2020 in July 2026.
These findings stem from records requests initiated by the ACLU across seven counties that currently have active 287(g) agreements. The organization is also seeking to ensure that county and Wyoming Highway Patrol operations comply with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act (WAPA) rulemaking process prior to entering such agreements. Currently, there are no WAPA-compliant records available from either the counties involved or the highway patrol.
Senior Staff Attorney Andrew Malone from the ACLU of Wyoming remarked on the gravity of these agreements, stating that 287(g) contracts significantly alter local law enforcement’s operations. By prioritizing federal immigration enforcement, these agreements risk eroding trust in law enforcement, discouraging immigrant families from reporting crimes, and diverting vital resources from community safety priorities.
Malone further emphasized the need for transparency in decision-making processes that deeply impact communities. He criticized the inconsistent application of the law across the state, noting that no county provided a notice or comment period as mandated by the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act. This lack of accountability raises concerns about the sheriff’s authority and the guidelines he operates under before formally collaborating with ICE through 287(g) agreements.
The ACLU’s investigation aligns with its ongoing campaign to repeal Wyoming’s 287(g) agreements, particularly in light of a lawsuit challenging Laramie County’s agreement with ICE. Sheriff Brian Kozak signed the contract without the necessary approval from the Laramie County Commission and has been accused of bypassing WAPA’s requirements, which are designed to allow community input on significant policy decisions.
A hearing regarding the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office’s motion to dismiss this case is scheduled for Monday, July 27, at 10 a.m. The hearing will take place at the First Judicial District Court in the Laramie County Government Building, located at 309 West 20th Street, Cheyenne, presided over by Judge Robin Cooley.
About the ACLU of Wyoming
The ACLU of Wyoming operates as a chapter and program of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to the protection and enhancement of civil liberties and rights. The organization champions fundamental freedoms—such as the rights to free speech, assembly, and religion—as well as due process, equal protection, and privacy. It aims to elevate constitutional protections for marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit communities, through targeted litigation, advocacy, and public education initiatives focused on the Bill of Rights.
