Local Police Cooperation with ICE Surges Despite Widespread Protests Across 40 States

What's happening

Local law enforcement agencies across the United States have significantly increased their formal cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), signing a total of 1,427 memoranda of understanding as of mid-February 2026. These agreements, known as 287(g) partnerships, authorize local police to assist ICE in immigration enforcement activities. This surge in cooperation is occurring even as protests against ICE and immigration enforcement continue to draw public attention and vocal opposition in many communities. The growing number of agreements highlights a complex and sometimes contradictory landscape where local authorities are deepening ties with federal immigration enforcement despite public demonstrations against such policies.

The rise in these partnerships marks a notable shift from earlier years. During the Biden administration, only 135 police departments had officers enrolled to assist ICE, but by early 2026, that number had jumped to over 1,100 departments. ICE reports that nearly 150 new agencies joined the program in just the first few weeks of 2026, underscoring a rapid acceleration in local cooperation. These agreements allow local law enforcement to perform immigration-related duties such as identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants, which traditionally had been the exclusive domain of federal agencies. The increase suggests a reevaluation of the role local police play in immigration enforcement across many jurisdictions.

This trend unfolds against a backdrop of persistent protests and activism opposing ICE’s enforcement methods and the broader immigration policies of the federal government. Activists argue that such partnerships erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, potentially deterring victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. However, the data on rising agreements indicates that many local jurisdictions are formalizing their cooperation with ICE despite these concerns. This divergence points to a disconnect between the narratives presented by activists and the decisions made by local officials, reflecting differing views on public safety and immigration enforcement within communities.

Several political leaders have responded to the growing number of 287(g) agreements with efforts to restrict or ban these partnerships. For example, Virginia’s Governor Abigail Spanberger issued an executive order prohibiting agreements between ICE and state police agencies, and Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore enacted emergency legislation to the same effect. These moves represent attempts by some Democratic officials to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Critics of these restrictions argue that such measures prioritize political interests over effective public safety, emphasizing the ongoing political debate surrounding immigration enforcement at the state and local levels.

What's at stake

The stakes of this issue are significant for multiple groups. Immigrant communities often express fear and mistrust toward law enforcement when local police cooperate with ICE, which can hinder community policing efforts and public safety. Conversely, supporters of the 287(g) agreements contend that these partnerships enhance law enforcement’s ability to address crime and uphold immigration laws, arguing that they contribute to safer communities. The tension between these perspectives underscores the broader national debate about immigration policy, enforcement priorities, and the role of local police in federal immigration matters.

Public opinion on immigration enforcement appears to be more nuanced than the vocal protests might suggest. While demonstrations against ICE remain visible and frequent, polling and enrollment data indicate that many Americans support the enforcement of immigration laws and the involvement of local police in these efforts. This complexity challenges the assumption that public sentiment is uniformly opposed to ICE’s presence and activities. Instead, it suggests a divided public where concerns about immigration enforcement coexist with desires for effective law enforcement and community safety.

The increase in local police cooperation with ICE also raises questions about the future of immigration enforcement policy in the United States. As more local agencies sign agreements, the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws may become increasingly reliant on these partnerships. However, ongoing protests and political resistance in some states could lead to legal challenges or policy reversals. The evolving landscape will likely continue to reflect competing priorities between immigration control, public safety, and community trust.

Looking ahead, the situation remains fluid. Key developments to watch include whether more local agencies will join or withdraw from 287(g) agreements, how state governments respond through legislation or executive actions, and the impact of these partnerships on immigrant communities and crime reporting. Additionally, federal immigration policy changes under the current administration could influence local cooperation levels. Observers should monitor upcoming political debates, legal rulings, and public opinion trends to understand how this complex issue will unfold in the coming months and years.

Why it matters

Local police agreements with ICE have risen sharply, totaling 1,427 across 40 states by February 2026. This growth occurs despite ongoing protests against ICE and immigration enforcement nationwide. The increase reveals a divide between activist narratives and the decisions of many local law enforcement agencies.

The partnerships affect immigrant communities’ trust in police and influence public safety dynamics. Political responses vary, with some states restricting agreements while others expand cooperation. Public opinion appears more divided than protest activity alone suggests, with many supporting enforcement.

The trend signals shifting roles for local police in federal immigration enforcement moving forward.

Key facts & context

As of mid-February 2026, 1,427 memoranda of understanding between local police and ICE have been signed. These agreements are authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The number of participating police departments increased from 135 during the Biden administration to over 1,100 by early 2026.

Nearly 150 new local agencies joined the 287(g) program in the first weeks of 2026 alone. Virginia and Maryland governors have taken executive and legislative steps to ban ICE partnerships with state police. Critics argue that local cooperation with ICE undermines immigrant community trust and public safety.

Supporters claim such partnerships enhance law enforcement’s ability to address crime and enforce immigration laws. Protests against ICE continue to be prominent, but data suggests many Americans support immigration enforcement. The rise in agreements contrasts with activist claims of widespread public opposition to immigration enforcement.

ICE’s official website confirms the number of signed agreements and pending approvals as of February 17, 2026. The debate over local police cooperation with ICE reflects broader national tensions over immigration policy. The increase in agreements may influence future federal and local immigration enforcement strategies.

Timeline & key developments

2026-02-18: Local Police Cooperation with ICE Increases Amid Protests. Additional reporting on this topic is available in our broader archive and will continue to shape this timeline as new developments emerge.

Primary sources

• uscis.gov document

Further reading & references

• (Additional background links will appear here as we cover this topic.)