Governor Abigail Spanberger’s first day in office saw the veto of Executive Order 47, ending Virginia’s participation in the 287(g) program and representing a victory for immigrant advocacy groups. This decision was particularly significant given the influence of Latino voters in Spanberger’s election, especially in heavily Hispanic communities. CASA in Action celebrated the move, emphasizing that Virginia prioritizes freedom and community safety without ICE collaboration. While this is a positive step, further action is needed from the General Assembly to protect immigrant communities and limit voluntary collaboration with ICE.
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Governor Abigail Spanberger’s first day in office saw the immediate veto of Executive Order 47, thus ending Virginia’s involvement in the 287(g) program. This action was celebrated by immigrant advocacy groups, particularly CASA in Action, as a victory for communities who strongly supported Spanberger’s election. The decision reflects the impact of Latino voters and sends a message that Virginia prioritizes freedom for all residents and does not need to collaborate with ICE. While this is a significant step, advocates emphasize the need for continued efforts, including stronger protections for immigrant communities and stricter limits on ICE collaboration.
Read More
House Democrats are reintroducing the “PROTECT Immigration Act” to end the federal 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement for immigration enforcement. The bill’s sponsors argue the program damages police-community relationships, potentially leading to unreported crime. Supporters believe this legislation is crucial to protect community trust, especially given increased participation in the 287(g) program. However, passage in the Republican-controlled House is unlikely, though the bill aims to eliminate a specific enforcement method.
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In Iowa, a Native American woman was mistakenly issued an ICE detainer in her jail file, despite proving her U.S. citizenship, which nearly resulted in a wrongful transfer. The incident, involving a 24-year-old from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, exposed the potential for errors within the 287(g) program, where local law enforcement assists ICE. While the Polk County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the error, the Department of Homeland Security vehemently denies the detainer, creating conflicting accounts. Jacobo’s family is considering legal action, raising further questions about the program and potential racial profiling within the system.
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Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux revealed that the department declined a $25 million offer from the federal government to partner with ICE under the 287(g) Program, which allows for collaboration in the arrest and deportation of immigrants. Comeaux assured the Community Police Oversight Board that Dallas police have had little interaction with ICE, and social media claims of collaboration were false. The Chief expressed concerns about drawing unwanted attention and potential problems. He clarified previous comments regarding cooperation with federal agencies, stating they would only assist if operations are lawful and respectful.
Read More
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed “Alligator Alcatraz,” a new immigrant detention center in the Everglades, to aid ICE’s mass deportation efforts. The proposed facility, a repurposed training facility, would leverage the 287(g) program allowing state and local law enforcement to assist with immigration functions. The Department of Homeland Security publicly endorsed the plan, highlighting its alignment with the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Critics, however, denounced the proposal as a wasteful and inhumane use of taxpayer funds targeting vulnerable populations.
Read More
In a four-day operation dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” nearly 800 individuals were arrested in Florida through a joint state and federal immigration enforcement effort. This unprecedented collaboration, praised by Governor Ron DeSantis, involved numerous Florida state agencies and over 200 local law enforcement entities partnering with ICE under the 287(g) program. The arrests are part of a broader national crackdown on illegal immigration, with the Department of Homeland Security suggesting this is a model for future nationwide operations. Critics, however, contend that the operation aims to instill fear and pressure undocumented immigrants into self-deportation, potentially harming community safety and overburdening local police.
Read More
Spanberger Ends Virginia’s ICE Collaboration on Day One
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s first day in office saw the veto of Executive Order 47, ending Virginia’s participation in the 287(g) program and representing a victory for immigrant advocacy groups. This decision was particularly significant given the influence of Latino voters in Spanberger’s election, especially in heavily Hispanic communities. CASA in Action celebrated the move, emphasizing that Virginia prioritizes freedom and community safety without ICE collaboration. While this is a positive step, further action is needed from the General Assembly to protect immigrant communities and limit voluntary collaboration with ICE.
Read More
Spanberger Ends Virginia’s ICE Collaboration: A New Era?
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s first day in office saw the immediate veto of Executive Order 47, thus ending Virginia’s involvement in the 287(g) program. This action was celebrated by immigrant advocacy groups, particularly CASA in Action, as a victory for communities who strongly supported Spanberger’s election. The decision reflects the impact of Latino voters and sends a message that Virginia prioritizes freedom for all residents and does not need to collaborate with ICE. While this is a significant step, advocates emphasize the need for continued efforts, including stronger protections for immigrant communities and stricter limits on ICE collaboration.
Read More
House Democrats Reintroduce Bill Targeting Local Immigration Enforcement Program
House Democrats are reintroducing the “PROTECT Immigration Act” to end the federal 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement for immigration enforcement. The bill’s sponsors argue the program damages police-community relationships, potentially leading to unreported crime. Supporters believe this legislation is crucial to protect community trust, especially given increased participation in the 287(g) program. However, passage in the Republican-controlled House is unlikely, though the bill aims to eliminate a specific enforcement method.
Read More
ICE Under Scrutiny for Targeting Native Americans for Deportation
In Iowa, a Native American woman was mistakenly issued an ICE detainer in her jail file, despite proving her U.S. citizenship, which nearly resulted in a wrongful transfer. The incident, involving a 24-year-old from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, exposed the potential for errors within the 287(g) program, where local law enforcement assists ICE. While the Polk County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the error, the Department of Homeland Security vehemently denies the detainer, creating conflicting accounts. Jacobo’s family is considering legal action, raising further questions about the program and potential racial profiling within the system.
Read More
Dallas Police Chief Rejects $25 Million ICE Partnership Offer
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux revealed that the department declined a $25 million offer from the federal government to partner with ICE under the 287(g) Program, which allows for collaboration in the arrest and deportation of immigrants. Comeaux assured the Community Police Oversight Board that Dallas police have had little interaction with ICE, and social media claims of collaboration were false. The Chief expressed concerns about drawing unwanted attention and potential problems. He clarified previous comments regarding cooperation with federal agencies, stating they would only assist if operations are lawful and respectful.
Read More
Florida Republican Proposes Alligator-Surrounded ICE Detention Center
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed “Alligator Alcatraz,” a new immigrant detention center in the Everglades, to aid ICE’s mass deportation efforts. The proposed facility, a repurposed training facility, would leverage the 287(g) program allowing state and local law enforcement to assist with immigration functions. The Department of Homeland Security publicly endorsed the plan, highlighting its alignment with the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Critics, however, denounced the proposal as a wasteful and inhumane use of taxpayer funds targeting vulnerable populations.
Read More
Florida ICE Raids: 800 Arrests Spark Concerns Over Due Process and Civil Rights
In a four-day operation dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” nearly 800 individuals were arrested in Florida through a joint state and federal immigration enforcement effort. This unprecedented collaboration, praised by Governor Ron DeSantis, involved numerous Florida state agencies and over 200 local law enforcement entities partnering with ICE under the 287(g) program. The arrests are part of a broader national crackdown on illegal immigration, with the Department of Homeland Security suggesting this is a model for future nationwide operations. Critics, however, contend that the operation aims to instill fear and pressure undocumented immigrants into self-deportation, potentially harming community safety and overburdening local police.
Read More