Johnson County Police Say They Are Not Assisting ICE in Raids

(LENEXA) Johnson County police departments say their officers are not helping ICE during recent enforcement actions in the region. The stance follows high-profile ICE raids in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas, in late July and early August 2025.

Officials reaffirmed this position on August 8, 2025, saying local police don’t join federal arrests or detentions. They stress that immigration enforcement is a federal job and that the local focus remains on community safety and crime reporting.

What happened and who was affected

• ICE raids in Johnson County in late July and early August targeted multiple locations, including restaurants in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas.
• Between 11 and 12 people were detained. Some were later released after legal pressure and advocacy by immigrant rights groups.
• Protests and rallies followed, with the ACLU of Kansas and community groups demanding clarity on local police roles.

What Johnson County police say

• Departments across Johnson County, including Olathe and Lenexa, state they do not assist ICE in apprehensions or operations.
• Agencies confirm there are no 287(g) agreements in place. The 287(g) program allows local officers to act as immigration agents after special training; Johnson County agencies do not participate.
• The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says it has not been contacted by ICE for help and is not involved in federal immigration enforcement.

How notifications work

• ICE may notify a local department that agents will be in the area. Officers say this is a courtesy message, not a request for help.
• Local police do not join planning, arrests, transport, or follow-up. If a situation involves a separate local crime, police handle only the local offense.

Why this stance matters

• Police leaders say they aim to build trust so people feel safe calling 911, reporting crimes, and serving as witnesses, no matter their immigration status.
• Departments separate local duties (public safety, crime prevention) from federal immigration work (detention, removal), which remains ICE’s responsibility.
• Officials also note concerns about cost and liability if local agencies take on federal roles without clear authority.

Local non-cooperation seeks to protect community trust and ensure people will continue to report crimes and participate in investigations.

Community reaction

• Advocacy organizations, including the ACLU of Kansas, organized rallies after the ICE raids. They argue any local assistance with immigration enforcement harms public safety by scaring witnesses and victims from seeking help.
• Families shared stories of fear after the Lenexa operations, including worries about school drop-offs and routine errands.
• Some residents welcomed ICE’s actions, citing federal law and the need to enforce immigration rules. ICE continues operations without local partners.

Statements and key points from local agencies

• Department spokespeople repeat that officers don’t assist ICE in immigration enforcement.
• Police acknowledge they may be aware of federal activity but remain hands-off unless a local crime occurs.
• This approach follows long-standing practice: Johnson County and most urban Kansas jurisdictions avoided 287(g) agreements before 2025 and keep that stance now.

What to expect if ICE conducts a raid in Johnson County

1. ICE may advise local departments of planned presence.
2. Local police won’t help with arrests or detention tasks.
3. If ICE detains someone, federal procedures apply. Local police only get involved if there’s a local criminal matter.

What immigrants and families can do today

• Know your rights. If ICE approaches, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer. Carry the phone number of a trusted attorney or legal aid group.
• Plan for emergencies. Keep copies of important documents, medical needs, and childcare contacts in a safe place.
• If a family member is detained by ICE, loved ones can try to locate them through ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
• For general information about ICE operations and detention, see official guidance on the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page hosted by DHS.

Legal process notes

• Detention, charging, and removal are federal processes. People placed in removal proceedings may receive a Notice to Appear, which lists the reasons the government seeks to deport them and the court where they must appear.
• Some people may qualify for release on bond. Immigration judges, not local police, decide bond in most cases.
• There’s no local form or process for immigration enforcement through Johnson County agencies because they aren’t partners in these operations.

Policy background

• The 287(g) program has several models, including a Warrant Service Officer model used in some rural counties outside Johnson County. Local leaders here decline to join, citing trust and budget concerns.
• Despite increased ICE activity in 2025, Johnson County’s policy remains the same: no assistance to ICE, no deputizing local officers under 287(g), and no joint operations.

Multiple perspectives in brief

• Law enforcement view: Clear lines between local and federal roles help maintain public safety and avoid legal risk.
• Advocacy view: Non-cooperation policies protect families and help victims report crimes without fear.
• Federal view: ICE prefers local cooperation but continues independent enforcement when local agencies opt out.

Practical tips for residents

• If you witness a crime or need help, call local police. Officers say immigration status won’t be asked for victims or witnesses.
• If ICE is in your area, stay calm, don’t interfere, and record dates and times for any legal follow-up.
• Keep employer and school contact information handy, and update emergency contacts in case a caregiver can’t be reached.

What we know about the Lenexa raids

• The Lenexa operations are part of regional actions that include Kansas City, Kansas.
• Community groups report 11–12 detentions, with some releases after legal reviews.
• Johnson County police confirm they did not assist at the scenes.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, local non-cooperation policies like those in Johnson County often aim to strengthen crime reporting and reduce fear among mixed-status families while keeping federal and local duties separate.

Official resources

• To learn how ICE operates and what rights detainees have, visit the U.S. government’s official information for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on the DHS website. This resource explains detention, transfers, and contact procedures and can help families understand what happens after an arrest and which offices handle specific cases.

The bottom line for Johnson County residents

• Local police don’t assist with immigration enforcement. They do not have 287(g) agreements. They may receive notifications, but they don’t join ICE actions.
• Families who live or work in Lenexa and nearby cities can still report crimes, seek help, and use public services without fear that local officers will enforce immigration laws.
• ICE continues operations in the region, so preparation and knowledge of rights remain vital for those concerned about enforcement actions.

As of August 8, 2025, Johnson County’s position stands firm: no assistance in ICE raids, no deputized local officers, and a continued focus on community safety, crime reporting, and trust. Residents should monitor official statements from local departments, seek legal advice when needed, and support neighbors who may feel at risk during federal operations.