More than 50 Alabama police agencies now partnering with ICE
Since June, 14 agencies across the state have signed 287 agreements.
Ethan Parker 
Alabama law enforcement agencies are increasingly aligning with federal immigration authorities, as more than 50 agencies across the state have now entered into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support President Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiative.
The spread of 287(g) agreements
As of July 20, 58 agencies across Alabama—ranging from local police departments to sheriff’s offices—have finalized 287(g) contracts. While the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office established the state's first agreement in 2020, the adoption of these contracts has accelerated significantly since 2025.
These partnerships grant local officers the authority to perform duties typically reserved for federal immigration agents. Since June alone, 14 additional agencies have signed on.
Local law enforcement perspective
For some departments, the move is about targeting criminal activity. Gordo Police Chief Johnny Stephenson noted that his officers are currently undergoing training, emphasizing that their focus remains on undocumented immigrants who commit actual crimes rather than minor traffic infractions.
Pine Hill Police Chief Phillip Meyers echoed this, noting that beyond the operational benefits of addressing crime, many smaller departments are drawn to the contract by the "pretty good" funding associated with the agreements. 205focus.com has reached out to the remaining involved agencies for further comment.
Operational models and community impact
Agencies choosing to partner with ICE generally select one of three available models. The task force model is the most popular, primarily because it provides reimbursement benefits to local departments for their participation.
Agencies participating in the task force model can receive specific reimbursement benefits for their efforts. However, these agreements have faced intense backlash from organizations like the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ).
“The surge of 287(g) agreements has pushed local law enforcement into doing the work of this administration’s mass deportation agenda, taking beloved members of our communities,” ACIJ stated. The group has called for an end to these practices, arguing that immigrants should be able to live without fear.
Data on immigration enforcement
While the current administration has stated its intent to focus on deporting hardened criminals, data from TRAC Reports suggests that roughly 71% of ICE detainees currently lack any criminal conviction. Furthermore, a recent academic study found that despite an increase in overall enforcement under President Trump’s second term, the actual number of arrested individuals with criminal convictions has decreased.
Currently, Baldwin County leads the state with seven 287(g) agreements, followed by Cherokee County with six. Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office jail logs indicate that 22 people have been booked on immigration-related charges since Tuesday.
