The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching a new program that will financially reward local law enforcement agencies for assisting in the government’s anti-immigrant efforts. Starting October 1, 2025, agencies that detain individuals wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be eligible for reimbursements, creating a system where increased detentions can lead to increased funding.
“ICE will fully reimburse participating agencies for the annual salary and benefits of each eligible trained 287(g) officer, including overtime coverage up to 25% of the officer’s annual salary,” a DHS press release stated on September 2.
Incentives for Immigration Enforcement
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The program also includes quarterly monetary performance awards. These bonuses are based on how successfully agencies locate individuals identified by ICE as being in the country unlawfully and assist in ICE’s mission.
- Agencies can earn up to $1,000 per eligible task force officer quarterly.
- Awards are tied to the percentage of successful locations of individuals.
- The program incentivizes collaboration with ICE, potentially increasing detentions.
Performance award tiers are structured as follows:
- 90% – 100% success rate: $1,000 per eligible task force officer
- 80% – 89% success rate: $750 per eligible task force officer
- 70% – 79% success rate: $500 per eligible task force officer
The 287(g) Program
The Section 287(g) program, established by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, empowers state and local law enforcement officers to perform immigration enforcement duties. As of September 2, ICE had formal agreements under this program with over 480 law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Beyond incentivizing agency participation, DHS is also using financial carrots to recruit ICE officers. Applicants may qualify for a signing bonus of up to $50,000 and student loan forgiveness reaching $60,000.
Record Investment in Deportation System
ICE’s deputy director attributed the launch of this reimbursement program to President Trump’s legislative agenda, specifically referencing the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This legislation is set to infuse over $170 billion into the U.S. deportation system over the next four years.
The American Immigration Council stated that this represents the largest investment in detention and deportation in U.S. history. They argue this policy choice exacerbates systemic failures within the immigration system, leading to harm, chaos, and family separation.
What is the primary goal of the DHS reimbursement program? The program aims to financially reward local law enforcement agencies that help carry out the Department of Homeland Security’s anti-immigrant agenda by detaining individuals wanted by ICE.
How does the Section 287(g) program work? It allows state and local law enforcement officers to carry out duties typically handled by immigration officers, including identifying and apprehending individuals for deportation.
What is the significance of the recent legislation mentioned? The legislation is described as the largest investment in the U.S. deportation system, totaling over $170 billion over four years, and is linked to the new reimbursement program.
