Under President-elect Donald Trump, sheriffs are poised to play a pivotal role in a massive deportation initiative targeting illegal immigrants. With nearly 11 million individuals entering the country illegally since 2021, Trump’s renewed focus on immigration control underscores collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities.
Central to this plan is Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar and former acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan has outlined a strategy prioritizing the deportation of individuals with criminal convictions or outstanding warrants. “The nation wants a safe country. We’ve had enough crime in this country,” Homan declared during a Texas border visit in November.
Elected sheriffs, as chief law enforcement officers in their counties, hold broad powers over criminal investigations, jail management, and court security. These powers uniquely position sheriffs to assist federal agencies in identifying and detaining illegal immigrants.
Sam Bushman, CEO of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), envisions a new agency to coordinate federal, state, and local authorities. “We could create an organization that communicates with this trifecta, and that would be very effective,” he suggested.
Richard Mack, a former Arizona sheriff and CSPOA founder, emphasized the unique knowledge sheriffs have of their local jurisdictions. “Who in this country knows their counties better than the sheriff?” Mack asked. This local expertise, he argues, can make deportation efforts more efficient and secure.
One central aspect of Trump’s deportation plan is the expansion of the 287(g) program. This initiative allows local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE, providing a framework for identifying illegal immigrants during criminal bookings. Deputized officers can hold individuals for up to 48 hours, ensuring ICE can assume custody safely and efficiently.
Homan has hailed the program as a “safe deportation pipeline,” minimizing risks by confining operations to controlled environments like jails rather than public spaces. Under Trump’s first term, the program saw significant expansion, with over 150 agreements established nationwide.
Former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott has also advocated for expanding 287(g), describing it as a vital force multiplier for ICE. Local officers, after undergoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) training, are granted powers akin to federal immigration officers, working under ICE supervision.
Frederick County, Maryland Sheriff Chuck Jenkins exemplifies how sheriffs can support ICE beyond direct arrests. His office’s jail-based detainer program has led to the removal of 2,000 illegal immigrant criminals. Jenkins believes reinstating a task force model, as seen in 2008, would further expedite deportations.
Even sheriffs hesitant to engage in arrests can provide logistical support, transportation, and workspace for ICE operations. “ICE can’t do it alone,” Jenkins said. “We need to be a force multiplier for them.”
Not all jurisdictions welcome Trump’s immigration policies. San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has vowed to defy a county policy limiting cooperation with ICE, emphasizing her duty to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Barry County Sheriff Dar Lief has warned residents against taking in unvetted illegal immigrants, echoing Trump’s concerns about criminals entering the U.S.
However, some Democratic leaders have expressed conditional support for deporting violent offenders. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, for instance, stated that while law-abiding illegal immigrants are welcome, those committing violent crimes must be removed. Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul affirmed her willingness to collaborate with ICE against criminal elements.
Homan has pointed to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star as a blueprint for nationwide efforts. The $10 billion initiative employs razor wire barriers, buoy systems in the Rio Grande, and the National Guard to combat illegal immigration. Additionally, Texas counties have prosecuted thousands of illegal immigrants for trespassing on private land, offering a scalable model for other states.
Brent Smith, Kinney County’s attorney, highlighted the importance of funding not just for law enforcement but for the entire justice system to process cases effectively. Smith predicts a return to robust 287(g) agreements, transforming local law enforcement into a de facto arm of DHS.
Federal and state grant funding could be tied to sheriff department cooperation with ICE, creating a financial incentive for participation. “How much is your political leanings worth to you? Is it worth $1,000, or $100,000, or $2 million?” Smith asked rhetorically, suggesting that fiscal pressures could sway even resistant jurisdictions.
Trump’s plan faces significant hurdles, including legal challenges and resistance from blue-state officials. Critics have labeled the approach as heavy-handed and prone to abuses, citing past controversies such as accusations of racial profiling under former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Nonetheless, proponents argue that stricter enforcement is essential to restoring law and order. As Homan warned, city leaders who obstruct deportations could face prosecution for harboring illegal immigrants.
With sheriffs poised to play a central role, Trump’s mass deportation initiative marks a departure from the Biden administration’s more lenient policies. For supporters, the plan represents a long-overdue commitment to securing the border and protecting communities. For detractors, it raises concerns about civil liberties and local autonomy.
