Houston County, Ala – (WDNews) Several Alabama law enforcement agencies, including some in the Wiregrass, are joining forces with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the controversial 287(g) program.
Currently, nine agreements are active across six counties—including Colbert, Crenshaw, Elmore, Etowah, Franklin, and Henry. Pending agreements are in the works for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the Level Plains Police Department in Dale County.
These partnerships allow designated local officers to enforce federal immigration laws, including executing civil immigration warrants and, in some cases, conducting enforcement in the community. ICE refers to the program as a “force multiplier” for local law enforcement.
The agreements come as federal policy shifts and executive orders encourage greater collaboration between state and federal agencies on immigration enforcement. However, advocacy groups warn that such partnerships could lead to increased racial profiling and community distrust.
While supporters of the program say it enhances public safety, opponents argue it risks blurring the line between local policing and federal immigration duties.
