Since the Trump administration launched mass deportation efforts, Democrats and progressive groups have been expressing their outrage. Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are focused on removing “the worst of the worst” of illegal immigrants, the Left argues that illegal immigrants are being prioritized over American citizens and continuously obstructs ICE operations. In many blue cities and states, local law enforcement is often barred from cooperating with ICE. However, much to the dismay of the Left, this situation might be shifting.
VIDEO: Maryland Sheriffs Vow to Defy Democrat Gov. Wes Moore's Ban on Working with ICE https://t.co/zLkNJ30Oqp
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) February 16, 2026
Recent data from FWD.US, a nonpartisan policy organization, reveals a significant rise in collaborations between local law enforcement and ICE agents, allowing police to make federal immigration arrests during the first year of Trump’s second term. In fact, local arrests have skyrocketed by 950 percent. As of January 26, there are now 1,168 local agencies with officers trained to assist ICE, a dramatic increase from just 135 during the Biden administration and 150 at the close of Trump’s first term.
Part of the increase in local assistance can be traced back to the resurgence of a “task force” model, which allows officers to be “deputized” and enables them to stop and arrest individuals if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that they are in the country illegally. However, as you might expect, blue cities located in predominantly red states face some challenges.
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In October 2025, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux declined a $25 million partnership with ICE, despite Mayor Eric Johnson encouraging other elected officials to consider the potential benefits of such a program. Chief Comeaux expressed concern that this initiative would divert officers from their regular duties. Similarly, in blue Montgomery County, Maryland, the district attorney, along with the police chiefs association, issued a statement addressing these issues, which read in part:
The Montgomery County Detective Bureau and police departments in Montgomery County do not enforce civil immigration orders; enforceable warrants must be signed by a judge.
In other red states such as Louisiana, Republican governors have given local law enforcement no option to refuse. In May 2025, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order that required state and local police to support ICE operations.
NEW: ICE announces the arrests of 650 illegal aliens in West Virginia as part of an operation with cooperation from local law enforcement via the 287(g) program. Per ICE, those arrested have convictions for child sex abuse, drug possession and endangering the welfare of…
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) February 1, 2026
Per ICE, those arrested have convictions for child sex abuse, drug possession and endangering the welfare of children.
The 287(g) program presents an enticing opportunity for local law enforcement agencies. It offers $7,500 per officer for equipment, $100,000 for new vehicles, and overtime pay that can reach up to 25 percent of an officer’s salary. Currently, there are 39 states where law enforcement collaborates with ICE. Unsurprisingly, the majority of participants are in red states, with Florida leading the pack at 324 agreements, followed by Texas with 296, Tennessee at 63, and Alabama with 52. Even swing state Pennsylvania has joined in, implementing 58 assistance programs.
Look no further than Minnesota and Florida to see a stark contrast in local cooperation regarding immigration. Even after Border Czar Tom Homan announced a reduction in ICE operations in Minneapolis, protests continued on Sunday. Many demonstrators remain skeptical about this drawdown, which could keep the protests alive. Meanwhile, in Florida, a report recently highlighted that the Sunshine State is taking a smarter approach. By linking illegal immigrant apprehensions with violations of fish and game laws, Florida shows there’s more than one way to tackle the issue of illegal immigration.
The American public appears to favor cooperation between local and federal authorities. Recent polls indicate that a significant majority of Americans, including many Democrats, support the deportation of illegal immigrants and back ICE’s efforts to enforce immigration laws. What will it take for Democrats and the left to understand that Tom Homan and his team are here to stay for the long haul?
WIDESPREAD SUPPORT.
Local law enforcement cooperation with @ICEgov and @CBP is the common sense position among Minnesotans. Americans are demanding that sanctuary politicians honor ICE detainment orders for criminal illegal aliens.
Anti-ICE agitators do not speak for American… pic.twitter.com/VZsRSPH8iL
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 4, 2026
Anti-ICE agitators do not speak for American citizens who are DONE being victimized by illegal aliens and the politicians who enable them.
Absolutely right.
