For years, Dakota County has had Nebraska's only 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The voluntary program essentially turns local law enforcement into tools of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Now, in President Trump's second term, we're seeing concerning new interest in the program.
Recently, Wheeler County became the second county in the state to sign a 287(g) agreement. Wheeler County is one of the least populous counties in the state, home to about 800 people and more than 100,000 head of cattle according to Nebraska Public Media. Its 'task force' model is the most involved of all 287(g) agreements.
As of early June, Brown County also had a pending agreement with ICE. Brown County is home to about 3,000 people.
It doesn't matter what size your community is — the decision to sign up for this program is extremely concerning, especially as we are seeing such rampant disregard for immigrants’ rights under the current administration. Any kind of 287(g) agreement funnels focus from public safety to deporting people who are part of our communities, workplaces and places of worship.
Following an in-depth review of all 287(g) participating agencies in June 2021, an ACLU research report, License to Abuse, provided extensive data on why this program is harmful. The research confirmed deeply troubling records among participating agencies. Notably, DHS identified “several areas of ongoing concern” in Dakota County related to racial profiling.
A 287(g) agreement is entirely voluntary. Local law enforcement have no obligation to participate in the program. We urge any local law enforcement agencies considering these agreements to connect with the many Nebraska sheriffs and police chiefs who have chosen not to join the program and to consult with their communities. The simple truth is that this program does nothing to improve public safety.
