Trump Paves the Way to Deputize Local Police on Immigration

Jan 31

**Operation Lone Star Boosts Support For Deployed Texas National Guard Soldiers**

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions.

The Trump administration is laying the groundwork for state and local law enforcement officers to participate in mass deportation efforts, an unprecedented move that could deputize thousands of officers with the power to arrest immigrants across the U.S.

Expanding State and Local Involvement in Immigration Enforcement

A late January memo from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invokes a 1996 provision that allows the agency to delegate immigration enforcement powers to state and local police under certain circumstances. This initiative serves as a call to action for jurisdictions eager to support Trump’s hardline immigration policies.

“The 1996 law gave the Attorney General the power to determine that “an actual or imminent mass influx of aliens [is] arriving off the coast of the United States, or near a land border.

When the Department of Homeland Security was created after 9/11, this power was inherited by the Homeland Security Secretary.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott with President Trump

Since the memo’s release, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of state troopers and special agents to assist in identifying immigrants with outstanding warrants. Florida’s legislature, after consultation with the Trump administration, has passed a bill aimed at increasing law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities.

Justification for the Policy Shift

Despite a decrease in border arrests—now at their lowest levels since the height of the pandemic—the DHS memo cites an “actual or imminent mass influx” of immigrants affecting all 50 states. This designation provides the legal basis for requesting assistance from nearly 800,000 state and local police officers nationwide.

Legislative and Executive Support

Several Republican-led states are rushing to build the infrastructure for increased collaboration with federal immigration authorities. Florida and Tennessee have convened special legislative sessions to draft laws establishing centralized state-level immigration enforcement divisions. Florida’s bill includes up to $500 million in grants for municipalities that choose to participate, with an additional $25 million bonus pool allocated for law enforcement officers who assist with ICE task forces.

Operation Lone Star is a border security initiative launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in March 2021 to address increased border crossings, deploying state resources to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

Texas, through Operation Lone Star, has been running a state-level immigration crackdown since 2021. The initiative has involved an emergency declaration, deployment of the Texas National Guard and state police to the border, and at least $11 billion in state spending. Governor Abbott recently announced that Texas troopers and special agents will work alongside federal agents to enforce immigration laws throughout the state.

Implications for Immigrant Communities

This policy shift is poised to significantly impact immigrant communities across the U.S. Some jurisdictions have already entered into agreements with ICE through the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties, such as questioning individuals about their status or accessing ICE databases for detainee information.

Immigrant advocacy groups argue that expanding local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement could erode trust between police and the communities they serve. Sanctuary cities, which have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have vowed to resist the implementation of this initiative.

Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the capacity of local law enforcement to take on immigration duties. Many police departments nationwide are already struggling with staffing shortages, and this additional burden could divert resources away from traditional policing responsibilities.

Legal Challenges and Potential Backlash

The Trump administration’s move is expected to face legal challenges. The scope of the powers granted under the 1996 provision has never been fully tested, and opponents argue that the delegation of immigration enforcement to local authorities could lead to racial profiling and civil rights violations.

Democratic state attorneys general have already signaled their intent to sue the administration, questioning the constitutionality of compelling local and state law enforcement to engage in federal immigration operations.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s plan to deputize local police for immigration enforcement represents a fundamental shift in the role of state and local law enforcement agencies. While supporters argue that this move strengthens national security and immigration law enforcement, critics warn of its potential to undermine public trust, strain local police resources, and lead to widespread civil rights abuses. The legal battles and public response to this policy will shape the future of immigration enforcement in the U.S.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change. For legal assistance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Yasin Amba

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