U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is offering large bonuses and student loan help to recruit officers from its 287(g) partner agencies, but many local law enforcement leaders are pushing back. As of August 1, 2025, ICE’s new hiring campaign is causing tension with the very agencies it relies on for local immigration enforcement, raising questions about the future of these partnerships and the impact on communities.
ICE’s “Defend the Homeland” campaign, launched on July 29, 2025, aims to add thousands of new federal officers by 2029. The agency is offering up to $50,000 signing bonuses and as much as $60,000 in student loan repayment to attract experienced officers, especially from its 287(g) partner agencies. These incentives are part of a larger federal plan, supported by the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, to strengthen ICE’s workforce and increase the removal of people in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status who have criminal records.
However, local law enforcement agencies that work with ICE through the 287(g) program are worried. They say losing trained officers to ICE could leave their own departments short-staffed and make it harder to serve their communities. One sheriff from a 287(g) partner agency explained, “We’re all in the same boat. If ICE takes our best people, we’re left struggling to keep up with our own work. It feels like they’re taking from their own partners.”
Understanding the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program is a partnership between ICE and local or state law enforcement agencies. Under this program, ICE signs formal agreements, called Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), with local agencies. These agreements allow certain local officers to act with federal immigration authority after special training. This means local police or sheriff’s deputies can help identify and detain people who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status, especially those arrested for other crimes.
As of July 31, 2025, ICE has 22 pending 287(g) program applications—11 for Jail Enforcement MOAs and 11 for Task Force Member agreements. This shows that interest in joining the program remains strong, even as debates about its impact continue.
The 287(g) program has always been controversial. Supporters say it helps remove dangerous criminals and keeps communities safe. Critics argue it leads to racial profiling, civil rights violations, and makes immigrant communities afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these concerns have led some cities and states to end their 287(g) agreements or refuse to join the program.
ICE’s Recruitment Push and Incentives
ICE’s new recruitment campaign is the most aggressive in years. The agency is trying to hire at least 10,000 new officers, agents, and support staff by 2029, with a goal of 2,500 new hires in fiscal year 2025 alone. To meet these goals, ICE is offering:
- Up to $50,000 signing bonuses for new hires
- Student loan repayment and forgiveness up to $60,000
- 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents
- Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUI) for Deportation Officers
- Enhanced retirement benefits
| Incentive Type | Amount | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Signing Bonus | $50,000 | N/A |
| Student Loan Repayment | $60,000 | N/A |
| Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) | 25% | N/A |
These incentives are designed to attract experienced law enforcement officers, especially those already trained in immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program. ICE believes these officers can quickly step into federal roles and help meet urgent staffing needs.
Pushback from 287(g) Partner Agencies
Despite the generous offers, many 287(g) partner agencies are not happy. They say ICE’s recruitment campaign is making it harder for them to keep their own departments fully staffed. Losing officers to ICE means fewer people to patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, and handle local cases.
One police chief from a 287(g) agency said, “We work closely with ICE, but we can’t afford to lose our best people. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Our community expects us to be there when they call, and we can’t do that if our staff keeps shrinking.”
Some agencies also feel ICE is not coordinating with them before recruiting their officers. They worry this could damage trust and cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. The phrase “We’re all in the same boat” has become common among these agencies, showing their shared struggle to balance federal immigration duties with local policing needs.
Policy and Practical Implications
ICE’s recruitment drive is part of a bigger federal plan to increase immigration enforcement. Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said the agency needs more dedicated officers to remove people with criminal records who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status. She called current immigration policies a failure and said the new campaign is urgent.
However, hiring enough new officers is not easy. Past data shows it takes a long time to fill these jobs, and many applicants do not make it through the process. By targeting 287(g) partner agencies, ICE hopes to speed up hiring, but this could weaken local partnerships and make it harder for communities to trust both local police and ICE.
Local and state officials have also raised concerns about ICE’s enforcement tactics. For example, some ICE officers have used masks and unmarked vehicles during operations, which has frightened immigrant communities. In response, Michigan lawmakers have proposed a bill to ban police from wearing masks, saying it makes people afraid and less likely to cooperate with law enforcement.
Community Impact and Advocacy
Immigrant advocacy groups have long criticized the 287(g) program. They argue it leads to racial profiling and makes immigrants afraid to call the police, even when they are victims of crime. These groups are now calling for an end to 287(g) agreements, saying ICE’s recruitment from partner agencies only makes things worse.
A spokesperson for a national immigrant rights group said, “When local police act as ICE agents, it breaks trust with the community. Now, if ICE takes away more local officers, everyone loses—immigrants, citizens, and law enforcement.”
Future Outlook
Despite the pushback, ICE continues to process new 287(g) applications, showing the program is still growing. The recruitment campaign is expected to continue through 2025 and beyond, backed by federal funding and strong political support. However, the tension between ICE and its partner agencies may lead to changes in how these partnerships work.
Some experts believe more local agencies may decide to end their 287(g) agreements if they keep losing staff to ICE. Others think new rules or compensation plans may be needed to keep local departments from being left short-handed.
Practical Guidance for Affected Communities
For local law enforcement agencies, it is important to talk openly with ICE about staffing needs and the impact of losing officers. Agencies should consider including terms in their MOAs that address recruitment and compensation if officers leave for federal jobs.
For community members, especially immigrants, it is important to know your rights and stay informed about local law enforcement policies. If you have concerns about how the 287(g) program affects your community, you can contact your local police department or reach out to advocacy groups for support.
Official Resources
- For more information about ICE careers and current job openings, visit the official ICE careers page.
- To learn more about the 287(g) program or to ask about partnerships, you can email [email protected] or visit the official ICE 287(g) program page.
- To report crimes or contact ICE enforcement, call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).
Conclusion
ICE’s effort to recruit from its 287(g) partner agencies highlights the complex relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local policing. While the incentives may help ICE meet its hiring goals, they also risk weakening local law enforcement and damaging trust in immigrant communities. As the recruitment campaign continues, it will be important for all sides—ICE, partner agencies, and community members—to work together and find solutions that protect public safety without harming community trust. Monitoring the effects of these changes will help shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.
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