A device in the immigration enforcement framework is often misunderstood and referred to colloquially as red tape. This device is known as a 287(g) agreement.
Under Section 287(g) of the Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996, the United States Attorney General is authorized to form agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws. Through this initiative, ICE provides training to local officials on managing immigration cases, enabling local police departments to collaborate with ICE for the apprehension of immigration violators, along with financial reimbursement for their associated costs.
Local Law Enforcement Engagement
Despite being established three decades ago, the signing of 287(g) agreements by local police departments saw a significant increase last year. This uptick followed the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, which allocated $170.7 billion for various aspects of border enforcement, including $3.5 billion in grants aimed at reimbursing state and local agencies that engage in immigration enforcement.
As of last week, ICE reported having signed 1,784 287(g) agreements across 39 states and two U.S. territories—a staggering increase of 13 times compared to the period before President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. In Pennsylvania alone, ICE lists 88 law enforcement agencies on its website, 29 of which operate within the jurisdiction covered by WVIA.
Advocating for Officer Training
Shamokin Police Chief Ray Sico indicated that the City Council approved the agreement with ICE approximately a month ago. He sought congressional approval for this agreement for two main reasons: to ensure staff receive comprehensive training when encountering illegal immigrants and to secure financial benefits for the borough.
“This presents a valuable training opportunity,” Sico explained, aiming for improved job performance for local officers through enhanced equipment and resources.
Controversy Surrounds the Hazleton Agreement
The Hazleton City Council recently approved a 287(g) agreement that affects 23 police officers, a decision that has drawn significant opposition from various community groups, including Make the Road Pennsylvania and the NAACP’s Luzerne County chapter. They express concern that the agreement would greatly extend the powers of the city’s police department, allowing them to interrogate residents about their immigration status and detain individuals for ICE.
These opponents warn of serious risks such as racial profiling and unconstitutional detention, alongside potential costly litigation. However, Council President James Perry defended the agreement, asserting it aims to enhance public safety in a lawful manner without fostering fears of litigation.
Support from Local Law Officials
Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters has lent his support to the program, citing his nearly 40 years of experience collaborating with various law enforcement levels. He seeks specialized training for his department’s sole detective, aiming to equip them to handle immigration-related situations effectively.
Peters emphasized that this initiative should not be misconstrued as a hunt for undocumented residents. Instead, it’s intended to ensure that local officials are well-prepared to address immigration issues within the framework of their duties.
Recent Immigration Violations
The Schuylkill County Police Department registered for the 287(g) program in March, according to Police Chief Jody Long. He expressed confidence in the program’s effectiveness, although he referred further inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security. His department has publicized instances where individuals have been arrested for immigration violations.
For example, on April 8, ICE, in collaboration with local police, conducted safety checks on numerous trucks, resulting in the seizure of one vehicle while two operators were confirmed to be illegally in the country and subsequently taken to a federal processing center.
Law Enforcement Participation Across Counties
Within the 22-county jurisdiction covered by WVIA, 29 law enforcement agencies have engaged with ICE to establish 287(g) agreements. These include various departments from Bradford, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Tioga, and Wyoming counties.
