Four Indiana Law Enforcement Agencies Hold Active ICE 287(g) Agreements

Key Takeaways

• Four Indiana law enforcement agencies signed active 287(g) agreements with ICE by July 16, 2025.
• Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office started the program early 2025, followed by Jasper, Noble, and Green Forks.
• New Indiana law requires local police to notify ICE about undocumented immigrants in custody.

As of July 16, 2025, Indiana has seen a major shift in how local law enforcement works with federal immigration authorities. Four Indiana agencies now have active 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements, allowed under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, give local officers special powers to help enforce federal immigration laws, mostly inside local jails. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people living in Indiana, especially those with pending immigration matters.

Summary of What Changed

The most important change is that four law enforcement agencies in Indiana now have formal 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agencies are:

• Hamilton County Sheriff‘s Office (Central Indiana)
• Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
• Noble County Sheriff’s Office
• Green Forks Police Department (Wayne County)

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was the first in Indiana to join the program in early 2025. The other agencies followed in the months after. This move puts Indiana among the states with the most active 287(g) partnerships, joining over 600 agencies nationwide. Most of these are in Florida, Texas, and Georgia, but Indiana is now quickly catching up.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

The new 287(g) agreements affect several groups:

• Undocumented immigrants in Indiana, especially those who may come into contact with law enforcement or local jails
• Family members of immigrants who may worry about increased enforcement
• Local law enforcement officers who now have new duties and responsibilities
• Community organizations that support immigrants and advocate for their rights
• Employers who may have workers affected by increased immigration checks

If you or someone you know is undocumented or has a pending immigration case in Indiana, it is important to understand how these agreements could impact your situation.

Effective Dates and Timeline

• Early 2025: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office signs the first 287(g) agreement in Indiana.
• By May 20, 2025: Jasper County, Noble County, and Green Forks Police Department also join the program.
• July 16, 2025: All four agencies have active agreements and are working with ICE.
• 2025 Legislative Session: Lawmakers debated expanding the program statewide, but those efforts failed. However, new laws now require local police to notify ICE when undocumented immigrants are in custody.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you live in Indiana and are concerned about these changes, here are some steps you can take:

• Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if you are stopped by police or questioned about your immigration status. The ACLU of Indiana provides helpful resources at www.aclu-in.org.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as the Indiana Capital Chronicle and local immigrant advocacy groups.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you have a pending immigration case or fear detention, talk to a qualified immigration attorney. They can help you understand your options and prepare for possible encounters with law enforcement.
• Community Support: Connect with local organizations that offer support, legal clinics, and information sessions for immigrants.

Implications for Pending Applications and Immigration Cases

For people with pending immigration applications, the expansion of 287(g) agreements in Indiana could have serious effects:

• Increased Risk of Detention: If you are arrested or held in a local jail in one of the four counties, local officers trained under 287(g) can check your immigration status and may issue a detainer (a request to hold you for ICE).
• Faster Removal Proceedings: Officers can start the process to remove (deport) someone from the United States 🇺🇸 if they find that person is in the country without permission.
• Impact on Family Unity: Families may be separated more quickly if a loved one is detained and placed in removal proceedings.
• Possible Delays or Complications: If you are detained, it may be harder to attend immigration court hearings or complete paperwork for your case.

If you have a pending application, it is important to keep your documents up to date, attend all scheduled hearings, and notify your attorney if you are arrested or detained.

Details on the 287(g) Program in Indiana

The 287(g) program lets local law enforcement officers act as immigration agents inside their jails. Here is how the process works in Indiana:

1. Application: The local agency applies to ICE to join the 287(g) program.
2. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): ICE and the agency sign a formal agreement that explains each side’s responsibilities, training, and oversight.
3. Training: Selected officers complete ICE training on immigration law and how to check someone’s status.
4. Implementation: Trained officers start screening people in local jails. If they find someone who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission, they can issue a detainer or begin removal proceedings.
5. Oversight: ICE supervises the program and does regular audits to make sure the agency follows federal rules.

Recent Legislative and Policy Developments

During the 2025 legislative session, Indiana lawmakers discussed several bills related to 287(g) agreements:

• Statewide Mandate Proposal: One bill would have required every sheriff in Indiana to sign a 287(g) agreement by January 1, 2026, with early compliance starting October 1, 2025. This proposal failed because many lawmakers and local officials wanted to keep local control over these decisions.
• House Enrolled Act 1393 (2025): This new law requires all local police in Indiana to notify ICE when they have an undocumented immigrant in custody. This increases cooperation with federal immigration authorities, even for agencies without a 287(g) agreement.
• Failed Stricter Proposals: Another bill would have forced all local agencies to honor every ICE detainer request and banned hiring people without legal status. This bill passed the House but did not move forward in the Senate.

Practical Effects on Indiana Communities

The expansion of 287(g) agreements and new laws have several real-world effects:

• More Immigration Enforcement: ICE credits the new partnerships for recent large-scale arrest operations. In June 2025, ICE reported more than 30 arrests in Indiana in just 24 hours, saying the success was due to help from local agencies.
• Jail and Detention Impact: ICE is sending more detainees to Indiana jails. For example, 438 people were sent to the Marion County Jail in the first four months of 2025. ICE is also looking at Camp Atterbury as a possible temporary holding site for immigrant detainees because of the increased number of arrests.
• Community Concerns: Many immigrants and their families now fear that even a minor traffic stop could lead to detention and possible deportation.

Supporters’ and Opponents’ Views

The debate over 287(g) agreements in Indiana is strong and ongoing.

Supporters (including Indiana Senate Republicans and some law enforcement leaders) say:

• These agreements help remove people with criminal records from the community.
• They make local and federal efforts work together better.
• They keep communities safer by focusing on people who break the law.

Opponents (including the ACLU of Indiana and immigrant rights groups) argue:

• 287(g) agreements can lead to racial profiling, where people are targeted because of how they look or speak.
• They make immigrants afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, which can make communities less safe.
• Local resources are taken away from other public safety needs.
• Forcing all agencies to join would take away local control and harm trust between police and the community.

National and Legal Context

The Trump administration has pushed for more 287(g) agreements as part of a larger plan to increase deportations. Since 2024, there has been a big jump in new and renewed agreements across the country. President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have encouraged local law enforcement to join, with the National Sheriffs’ Association also supporting the program.

However, there are concerns about the costs and legal risks for local agencies. Lawsuits and advocacy campaigns are ongoing, and some courts may step in to limit or change how these agreements work. Critics also warn that when immigrants are afraid to talk to police, it can make it harder to solve crimes and keep everyone safe.

Step-by-Step: How 287(g) Agreements Work in Indiana

To help readers understand the process, here is a simple breakdown:

• Step 1: Application
  The local agency (like the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office) asks ICE to join the 287(g) program.

• Step 2: Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
  ICE and the agency sign a contract that explains what each side must do.

• Step 3: Training
  Officers chosen for the program go through ICE training to learn about immigration law and how to check someone’s status.

• Step 4: Implementation
  Trained officers start checking the immigration status of people in local jails. If they find someone who may be in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission, they can issue a detainer (a request to hold the person for ICE) or start removal proceedings.

• Step 5: Oversight
  ICE keeps an eye on the program and does regular checks to make sure the agency is following the rules.

Future Outlook and Pending Changes

Looking ahead, several things could change how 287(g) agreements work in Indiana:

• Possible Expansion: Even though lawmakers did not require every sheriff to join, more agencies may sign up on their own, especially if federal pressure continues.
• Legal Challenges: Lawsuits and advocacy efforts could change or limit how these agreements are used, especially if courts find problems with how they are carried out.
• Community Impact: The debate over 287(g) is likely to continue, with strong feelings on both sides about public safety, civil rights, and local control.

What Should You Do Next?

If you are an immigrant in Indiana, or you work with or support immigrants, here are some practical steps:

• Stay Informed: Check updates from official sources like ICE’s 287(g) Program Information and local news outlets.
• Know Your Rights: Carry important documents, know who to call if you are detained, and understand your rights during police encounters.
• Get Legal Help: If you have a pending immigration case or fear detention, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer.
• Connect with Community Groups: Many organizations offer help, information, and support for immigrants and their families.

Official Resources and Contacts

• ICE Community Relations: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) for questions or to report information.
• Indiana Capital Chronicle: [email protected] for local news and policy updates.
• ACLU of Indiana: www.aclu-in.org for legal help and advocacy.
• ICE 287(g) Program Information: www.ice.gov/287g for details about the program and a list of participating agencies.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The expansion of 287(g) agreements in Indiana, especially with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and three other agencies, marks a big change in how immigration laws are enforced at the local level. While supporters believe these agreements make communities safer, opponents warn of risks to civil rights and community trust. The failed attempt to make 287(g) mandatory statewide shows that the debate is far from over.

If you or someone you know could be affected, it is important to stay informed, know your rights, and seek legal advice if needed. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the future of 287(g) in Indiana will depend on ongoing political debates, legal challenges, and the choices made by local agencies and communities.

For the most up-to-date and official information on the 287(g) program, visit the ICE 287(g) Program Information page. This resource provides details about the program, participating agencies, and answers to common questions.

By staying aware and prepared, individuals and families in Indiana can better protect themselves and respond to these important changes in immigration enforcement.

Learn Today

287(g) Agreements → Contracts allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws after ICE training and authorization.
Detainer → A request issued by ICE to hold a detainee for immigration enforcement purposes.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) → The formal contract outlining responsibilities between ICE and local agencies participating in 287(g).
Removal Proceedings → Legal process where immigration authorities seek to deport an individual from the U.S.
Training → Special instruction ICE provides to local officers on immigration law enforcement under 287(g).

This Article in a Nutshell

Indiana expanded 287(g) agreements in 2025, authorizing four local agencies to assist ICE with immigration enforcement in jails, raising concerns about detention risks and legal rights amid ongoing statewide policy debates.
— By VisaVerge.com