Key Takeaways
• Mesa PD participates in 287(g) since 2009, enforcing federal immigration laws in local jails.
• Arizona Senate Bill 1164 (2025) mandates local police cooperation with ICE, expanding 287(g) program statewide.
• 287(g) officers check immigration status at booking; ICE may detain suspected undocumented immigrants for deportation.
The Mesa Police Department’s Role in Arizona’s Expanding 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Program
The Mesa Police Department is now at the center of a growing debate in Arizona over local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. As of May 2025, Mesa PD is one of a small group of law enforcement agencies in Arizona participating in the 287(g) program, a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws. This move comes as the Trump administration pushes for greater state and local participation in immigration enforcement, sparking both support and criticism from different parts of the community.
Who is involved? The Mesa Police Department, along with the Arizona Department of Corrections and three county sheriff’s offices (La Paz, Yavapai, and Pinal), are among the few agencies in Arizona with active 287(g) agreements. What is happening? More Arizona law enforcement agencies are joining the program, following new state legislation and federal encouragement. When and where? The expansion is taking place across Arizona as of late May 2025, with Mesa PD’s involvement dating back to 2009. Why is this happening? The Trump administration and Arizona lawmakers say the goal is to remove people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status, especially those who have committed crimes. How is it being done? Through formal agreements with ICE, local officers are trained and authorized to perform certain immigration enforcement tasks, mainly during the jail booking process.
Let’s break down what the 287(g) program is, how Mesa PD’s participation works, the legislative and national context, and what this means for immigrants, families, and the wider community.
Understanding the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program is named after a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This law allows ICE to make agreements with state and local police so that some local officers can help enforce federal immigration laws. Here’s how it works:
- Agreements: ICE and a local law enforcement agency (LEA) sign a formal agreement, called a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
- Officer Selection: The LEA nominates officers to participate. These officers must be U.S. citizens, pass a background check, and meet other requirements.
- Training: Selected officers complete a training program run by ICE.
- Duties: Officers can perform certain immigration enforcement tasks, such as checking the immigration status of people booked into jail and starting the process for possible deportation.
The program is mainly used in jails. When someone is arrested and booked, if they were not born in the United States 🇺🇸 or a U.S. territory, officers use a special questionnaire to gather information about their immigration status. If there are signs the person may not have legal status, ICE can be notified.
For more details about the 287(g) program, you can visit the official ICE 287(g) Program page.
Mesa Police Department’s 287(g) Agreement
Mesa PD has had a 287(g) jail enforcement agreement with ICE since 2009. This means that for over 15 years, Mesa officers have been working with ICE to check the immigration status of people booked into jail. The process is as follows:
- Booking Process: When someone is arrested and brought to jail, officers ask if they were born outside the United States 🇺🇸 or a U.S. territory.
- Questionnaire: If the answer is yes, officers use a set of questions to learn more about the person’s immigration status.
- Referral to ICE: If there are signs the person may not have legal status, ICE is notified and can place a “detainer” on the person. This means ICE asks the jail to hold the person for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released, so ICE can take custody.
Mesa PD’s long-standing participation makes it a model for other Arizona agencies now joining the program. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this experience positions Mesa PD as a key player as Arizona’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement grows.
Recent Expansion Across Arizona
As of May 28, 2025, several more Arizona law enforcement agencies have joined the 287(g) program. This expansion is part of a larger national push by the Trump administration to increase deportations and get local police more involved in immigration enforcement.
Key points about the expansion:
– More Agencies Joining: In addition to Mesa PD, the Arizona Department of Corrections and three county sheriff’s offices, other police departments are now signing 287(g) agreements.
– State Legislation: The Arizona Senate passed Senate Bill 1164 (the “ICE Act”) in February 2025. This law bans cities, counties, and state agencies from having policies that stop them from working with immigration officials. It also requires police and sheriffs to honor ICE detainer requests.
– Federal Pressure: The Trump administration is using executive orders and federal funding to encourage more local involvement. Grants and other funds may depend on agencies’ willingness to cooperate with ICE.
National Context: Immigration Enforcement Trends
The expansion in Arizona is part of a broader national trend. The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority, using several strategies:
- Executive Orders: Orders have been issued to expand the role of state and local police in immigration enforcement and to make more people eligible for deportation.
- Federal Funding: Some federal grants are now tied to cooperation with ICE. Agencies that refuse to work with ICE may lose funding.
- Deportations to Third Countries: The administration is exploring sending people to countries like Libya, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Ukraine, though these efforts face legal challenges.
- Military Involvement: About 6,600 soldiers and Marines are now at the southern border, though they have not directly detained migrants.
Recent enforcement actions show the scale of these efforts:
– In Los Angeles, ICE arrested 239 undocumented immigrants in a weeklong operation in May 2025, with help from local police.
– In Tennessee, the Highway Patrol and ICE made about 468 traffic stops and detained 94 people in Nashville’s Latino neighborhoods in early May 2025.
– In Phoenix, armed officers have been arresting people outside immigration court, raising concerns among advocates and lawyers.
Community Concerns and Criticisms
The 287(g) program and related enforcement efforts have sparked strong reactions from immigrant communities, advocates, and some local officials.
Main concerns include:
- Racial Profiling: Critics say the program can lead to people being targeted based on their appearance or language, rather than any crime.
- Family Separation: When parents or family members are detained or deported, families can be split up, causing emotional and financial harm.
- Loss of Trust: Many community members may become afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, fearing immigration checks.
- Legal Challenges: Lawsuits have been filed over the constitutionality of some enforcement tactics and the use of federal funds to pressure local agencies.
For example, in Nashville, Mayor Freddie O’Connell said joint ICE and Highway Patrol operations caused “deep community harm” in immigrant neighborhoods. In Phoenix, lawyers and advocates have raised alarms about arrests outside immigration court, saying it discourages people from attending hearings or seeking legal help.
Legislative Changes in Arizona
The recent changes in Arizona law are important for understanding why more agencies are joining the 287(g) program.
- Senate Bill 1164 (ICE Act): Passed by the Arizona Senate in February 2025, this law:
- Bans any city, county, or state agency from having policies that stop them from working with ICE.
- Requires sheriffs, police, and prison officials to honor ICE detainer requests for people believed to be in the country without legal status.
- The original version would have forced all agencies to sign 287(g) agreements, but this was removed before passage.
- Supporters’ View: Senate President Warren Petersen said the bill is meant to help deport people already in custody for crimes, matching the Trump administration’s focus on removing “the most dangerous criminals.”
- Opponents’ View: Critics argue the law will lead to more racial profiling, family separation, and fear in immigrant communities.
How the 287(g) Program Works in Practice
To help readers understand what happens when someone is arrested under a 287(g) agreement, here’s a step-by-step example:
- Arrest: A person is arrested for a crime and taken to jail.
- Booking: During booking, officers ask if the person was born outside the United States 🇺🇸 or a U.S. territory.
- Questionnaire: If yes, officers ask more questions about immigration status.
- ICE Notification: If the person may not have legal status, ICE is notified.
- Detainer: ICE can issue a detainer, asking the jail to hold the person for up to 48 hours after their release date.
- Transfer: ICE picks up the person for possible deportation.
This process is supposed to focus on people who have committed crimes, but critics say it can sweep up people for minor offenses or even those who are later found not guilty.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants and Families:
– Increased Risk: More people may face detention and deportation, even for minor offenses.
– Family Separation: Children and spouses may be left behind if a family member is detained.
– Fear and Distrust: Many may avoid police, even to report crimes or seek help.
For Law Enforcement:
– Resource Strain: Local police must spend time and money on immigration enforcement.
– Community Relations: Trust between police and immigrant communities may suffer, making it harder to solve crimes.
For Employers and the Local Economy:
– Workforce Impact: Detentions and deportations can affect local businesses that rely on immigrant workers.
– Economic Uncertainty: Fear of enforcement can lead to labor shortages and lower consumer spending.
For Legal and Advocacy Groups:
– Increased Workload: More people need legal help to fight deportation or understand their rights.
– Community Support: Groups may set up funds or programs to help families affected by enforcement, such as Nashville’s “Belonging Fund.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of 287(g) in Arizona and Beyond
The expansion of the 287(g) program in Arizona is likely to continue as new laws take effect and federal pressure increases. Here’s what to expect:
- More Agencies Joining: As SB 1164 is implemented, more police departments and sheriff’s offices may sign 287(g) agreements.
- Continued Federal Pressure: The Trump administration is expected to keep pushing for local cooperation, using funding and policy tools.
- Ongoing Legal Battles: Lawsuits over the constitutionality of enforcement tactics and funding conditions will shape how these programs are used.
- Community Response: Advocacy groups and local leaders may create new support systems for families affected by enforcement.
Mesa PD’s long history with the 287(g) program means it will likely play a leading role as Arizona’s approach to immigration enforcement evolves. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the department’s experience could serve as a blueprint for other agencies navigating the complex intersection of local policing and federal immigration law.
What Should Readers Do Next?
If you or someone you know may be affected by these changes, here are some practical steps:
- Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if you are stopped by police or ICE. Many advocacy groups offer free resources in multiple languages.
- Seek Legal Help: If you or a family member faces detention or deportation, contact a qualified immigration attorney. The U.S. Department of Justice’s list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives can help you find free or low-cost legal help.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted news sources and official government websites for the latest information on immigration laws and enforcement.
- Support Community Efforts: Many local groups provide support to families affected by immigration enforcement. Getting involved can help build stronger, safer communities for everyone.
The debate over the 287(g) program and local police involvement in immigration enforcement is far from over. As Arizona and the nation continue to grapple with these issues, the experiences of the Mesa Police Department and the communities it serves will remain at the heart of the conversation.
Learn Today
287(g) Program → Federal-local partnership enabling trained officers to enforce federal immigration laws during jail booking.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Detainer → A request by ICE to jail to hold a suspected undocumented immigrant up to 48 hours post-release.
Memorandum of Agreement → Formal contract between ICE and local agencies outlining roles and responsibilities under 287(g).
Senate Bill 1164 → 2025 Arizona law requiring local agencies to cooperate with ICE and honor detainer requests.
This Article in a Nutshell
Mesa Police has enforced immigration since 2009 under 287(g), with statewide expansion driven by laws and federal pressure. The program raises community concerns about profiling, family separation, and trust while reshaping immigration enforcement in Arizona and setting a precedent for other agencies nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
