Key Takeaways
• LVMPD applied June 4, 2025, to join ICE 287(g) WSO model to serve warrants inside jails only.
• Under WSO, LVMPD officers hold detainees 48 hours after scheduled release to allow ICE custody transfer.
• LVMPD’s renewed application responds to ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ controversy and aims formal federal cooperation.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has taken a major step toward changing how it works with federal immigration authorities. As of June 4, 2025, the department has formally re-applied to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program, specifically under the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) model. This move comes at a time of heated debate over immigration enforcement in Nevada, following Las Vegas’s recent and disputed designation as a “sanctuary jurisdiction.” The pending agreement could reshape how local police and federal immigration officials interact, especially inside the Clark County Detention Center.
What Is Happening and Why Now?
LVMPD’s application to the ICE 287(g) program is currently awaiting final approval. If accepted, the agreement would allow certain LVMPD officers to serve ICE administrative warrants to people already in jail. This means that officers could hold individuals for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release, giving ICE time to take them into federal custody. However, the agreement does not allow LVMPD officers to question people about their immigration status in the community or to enforce immigration laws outside the jail.
This renewed push comes after a period of controversy. In early 2025, the Department of Homeland Security labeled Las Vegas a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” a term used for places that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley quickly objected, saying the city continues to work with federal authorities. The LVMPD’s move to rejoin the 287(g) program is seen by some as a direct response to these claims and as a way to formalize its cooperation with ICE.
How the ICE 287(g) Program Works
The 287(g) program was created under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It allows ICE to give certain immigration enforcement powers to local law enforcement agencies through formal agreements. There are several models under this program, but LVMPD is applying for the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) model, which is the most limited.
Key features of the WSO model:
– Only applies inside jail facilities: Deputized officers can only execute ICE warrants within the jail, not in the community.
– No field enforcement: Officers cannot stop or question people about immigration status outside the jail.
– Focus on administrative warrants: These are civil, not criminal, warrants issued by ICE for immigration violations.
According to the official ICE website, as of June 4, 2025, there are 641 active 287(g) agreements across 40 states, with 102 using the WSO model. In Nevada, only Douglas and Mineral counties currently have active WSO agreements, while LVMPD’s application is still pending.
For more details about the 287(g) program and its different models, readers can visit the ICE 287(g) Program Overview.
Step-by-Step: What Happens Under the WSO Model?
If LVMPD’s application is approved, the process for handling detainees with possible immigration issues would look like this:
- Arrest and Booking: A person is arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center.
- Screening: Deputized LVMPD officers (WSOs) check if the person might have immigration issues.
- ICE Administrative Warrant: If ICE issues a warrant, WSOs can serve it while the person is still in jail.
- Detainer Hold: The person may be held for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release date to give ICE time to take custody.
- Transfer or Release: If ICE does not pick up the person within 48 hours, the jail must release them.
This process is designed to keep the focus on people already in custody, rather than targeting people in the community.
Why Did LVMPD Leave the Program Before?
LVMPD was previously part of the 287(g) program but ended its participation in 2019. The decision followed a federal court ruling that raised concerns about the constitutionality of holding people for civil immigration violations in states like Nevada, which do not have specific laws allowing such detentions. The court found that honoring ICE detainers—requests to hold people for immigration reasons—could violate people’s rights if not backed by a judge’s order.
Since then, LVMPD has maintained an informal relationship with ICE. The department flags inmates accused of violent crimes, driving under the influence (DUI), domestic violence, and, more recently, theft-related charges. This expanded focus follows the passage of the Laken Riley Act, a federal law that encourages local cooperation with ICE for certain crimes.
Numbers Tell the Story: A Sharp Increase in ICE Referrals
The impact of these changes is clear in the numbers. From January through May 2025, LVMPD flagged nearly 300 migrants for ICE, compared to just two during the same period in 2024. This dramatic increase shows how much the department’s approach has shifted, even before the new agreement is finalized.
Who Supports and Who Opposes the Move?
Supporters
Many state officials, including Senate Republican Leader Robin Titus, have called for all Nevada law enforcement agencies to join the 287(g) program. Supporters argue that these partnerships help keep communities safe by making sure people accused or convicted of serious crimes are not released back into the public. They say the program targets only those who pose a threat and that it is a necessary tool for public safety.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill, who leads LVMPD, has stated that immigration enforcement is not the department’s main job. He emphasizes that LVMPD officers do not enforce immigration laws in the community but do notify ICE when undocumented individuals are arrested for serious crimes.
Critics
On the other side, immigrant advocates and some legal experts warn that closer cooperation with ICE can lead to racial profiling and damage trust between police and immigrant communities. They point to studies showing that 287(g) programs can make Latino communities feel targeted and less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police. Critics also question the legality of holding people for civil immigration violations, especially in light of the 2019 court ruling.
Former Clark County District Attorney David Roger explained that earlier versions of the 287(g) program allowed deputized officers to interview inmates about their immigration status and issue detainers. Critics worry that even the more limited WSO model could still lead to unnecessary detentions and fear in immigrant communities.
The “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” Controversy
The debate over LVMPD’s 287(g) application is closely tied to the recent “sanctuary jurisdiction” label given to Las Vegas by the Department of Homeland Security. The term “sanctuary jurisdiction” is used for places that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Governor Joe Lombardo and Mayor Shelley Berkley strongly objected to this label, saying that Las Vegas continues to work with federal authorities and does not fit the definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction. They argue that the city’s cooperation with ICE, especially for serious crimes, shows its commitment to public safety.
What Does This Mean for Detainees and the Community?
If the agreement is approved, people arrested and held at the Clark County Detention Center could face ICE administrative warrants and possible transfer to federal custody. This could lead to more detentions and deportations, especially for those accused of violent or theft-related crimes.
For the community, the move raises concerns about trust between police and immigrant residents. Some fear that increased cooperation with ICE will make immigrants less likely to report crimes or seek help from law enforcement, even if they are victims or witnesses.
LVMPD leaders say the department will not use the program to target people in the community or to question people about their immigration status outside the jail. They stress that the focus is on individuals already in custody for serious offenses.
Legal and Policy Background
The legal backdrop for this issue is complex. The 287(g) program was created in 1996 to let local police help enforce federal immigration laws. Over the years, the program has expanded and changed, especially under President Trump, who pushed for more local-federal cooperation.
LVMPD’s earlier participation in 287(g) ended after a 2019 court decision found that holding people for ICE detainers without a judge’s order could violate their constitutional rights. This ruling led many Nevada agencies to pull back from formal agreements with ICE.
The new WSO model is designed to address some of these legal concerns by limiting officers’ powers to serving ICE warrants only inside jails and only when ICE has issued a formal administrative warrant.
Practical Implications for Stakeholders
For Detainees:
– Individuals arrested for serious crimes could face ICE warrants and possible transfer to federal custody.
– If ICE does not pick up the person within 48 hours, the jail must release them.
For LVMPD:
– Deputized officers will have clear rules: they can only serve ICE warrants inside the jail, not in the community.
– The department must balance its cooperation with ICE against the need to maintain trust with local residents.
For the Community:
– Some residents, especially in immigrant communities, worry about increased detentions and deportations.
– There are concerns that people may be less willing to report crimes or cooperate with police if they fear immigration consequences.
For State and Local Officials:
– The move could set a precedent for other Nevada counties to join the 287(g) program.
– Political leaders are under pressure from both supporters and critics of the program.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for LVMPD and 287(g)?
LVMPD’s application for the 287(g) WSO model is still pending. If approved, the agreement will formalize and expand the department’s cooperation with ICE inside the jail. This could lead to more people being held for immigration reasons and possibly more deportations.
The issue is likely to remain controversial, with ongoing debate about the legal, social, and public safety impacts. Other Nevada counties may also consider joining the program, especially as political leaders push for more cooperation with ICE.
The legal landscape could change again, depending on future court rulings or changes in federal or state law. For now, the focus remains on how LVMPD and other local agencies balance public safety, legal requirements, and community trust.
Where to Find More Information
For the most current updates on the ICE 287(g) program and a list of participating agencies, visit the ICE 287(g) Agreements page. This official government resource provides up-to-date information on which agencies are part of the program and what models they use.
Local residents can also contact the LVMPD Public Information Office for official statements and updates. News inquiries can be directed to Ricardo Torres-Cortez at the Las Vegas Review-Journal ([email protected]).
Conclusion: What Should Readers Do Next?
As the debate over the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement continues, it is important for residents, especially those in immigrant communities, to stay informed about their rights and the latest policy changes. People who are concerned about how these changes might affect them or their families should consider reaching out to local legal aid organizations or immigrant advocacy groups for guidance.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the outcome of LVMPD’s 287(g) application could have wide-reaching effects, not only for Las Vegas but for other communities across Nevada and the United States 🇺🇸. As the situation develops, keeping up with official sources and trusted news outlets will help residents understand what these changes mean for their daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
– LVMPD’s 287(g) agreement is pending and would allow officers to serve ICE warrants inside the jail only.
– The move follows controversy over Las Vegas’s “sanctuary jurisdiction” label and is part of a broader debate over local-federal cooperation on immigration.
– Supporters say the program improves public safety, while critics warn of legal and community trust issues.
– The legal situation remains complex, with possible changes ahead depending on court rulings and new laws.
For ongoing updates, check the ICE 287(g) Program Overview and local news sources. Staying informed is the best way to understand and respond to these important changes in immigration policy.
Learn Today
LVMPD → Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, local law enforcement agency applying for ICE cooperation.
ICE 287(g) Program → Federal program allowing local police to enforce certain immigration laws under ICE agreements.
Warrant Service Officer (WSO) → 287(g) model permitting officers to serve ICE warrants only inside jail facilities.
Administrative Warrant → Civil immigration warrant issued by ICE for detention, not a criminal arrest warrant.
Sanctuary Jurisdiction → Area limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
LVMPD seeks to rejoin ICE’s limited 287(g) WSO program, allowing officers to serve immigration warrants inside jails only, amid a debate over Las Vegas’s sanctuary status and community trust concerns, balancing enforcement with legal limits and public safety.
— By VisaVerge.com
