DHS and States Offer Billions to Expand 287(g) Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the governments of Florida and Texas are providing significant financial incentives to local law enforcement agencies to expand the 287(g) program. This federal program authorizes local police to arrest undocumented immigrants, a task typically reserved for federal agents. Under the Trump administration, the government expanded these partnerships from 135 to over 1,700 agencies.

DHS has pledged up to $2 billion nationwide for 2026, offering $100,000 for new vehicles, equipment grants for fingerprint scanners and body armor, and reimbursements for officer salaries. The agency is also providing potential bonuses for the discovery and arrest of undocumented persons. Florida established a $250 million state pool, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia distributed over $1.4 million to county sheriffs. Texas has similarly implemented grants and now requires all sheriffs operating jails to join the program.

Law enforcement officials argue that the funding is a fiscally responsible way to manage the high costs of housing and processing immigrants. However, the American Civil Liberties Union and FWD.us warn that these unprecedented incentives may lead to racial profiling and dragnet enforcement tactics during routine activities like traffic stops. FWD.us specifically criticized the lack of transparency regarding how the federal grant money is tracked and spent.