The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is teaming up with more than a dozen local Texas law enforcement departments on Monday, giving them the authority to perform certain functions as federal immigration agents.
The new direction for ICE is the brainchild of its new director, Thomas Homan.
“It is common sense partnerships like these that help law enforcement achieve our mutual goals, and I’m encouraged by the increased interest from law enforcement professionals who seek to join this program and protect public safety,” Homan said in a statement emailed to CBN News.
Homan signed 18 new agreements with Texas law enforcement agencies to allow officers to interrogate individuals who have been arrested on their immigration status. Officers also will be able to place detainers on individuals.
The 287(g) program – which became law as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in 1996 – enables state and local law enforcement entities to collaborate with and perform functions of federal immigration agents.
