More than 50 Alabama police agencies now partnering with ICE
Since June, 14 agencies across the state have signed 287 agreements.
Mason Reed 
The footprint of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to expand across Alabama as more than 50 law enforcement agencies have signed on to assist with the federal mass deportation agenda.
Statewide Participation on the Rise
As of July 20, 58 agencies across the state—ranging from local police departments to sheriff’s offices—have secured 287(g) agreements with federal immigration authorities. While the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office set the initial precedent in 2020, the adoption of these contracts surged significantly starting in 2025.
These partnerships grant local law enforcement the legal standing to function with the authority of federal immigration agents. Since June alone, 14 additional agencies have joined the effort.
Local Perspectives on Enforcement and Funding
Law enforcement leaders involved in these agreements cite varying motivations. Gordo Police Chief Johnny Stephenson noted that his department is currently training to manage undocumented immigrants who commit specific crimes. Stephenson emphasized that the focus is intended for those who have "actually done something" rather than minor traffic violations.
Meanwhile, Pine Hill Police Chief Phillip Meyers pointed to a practical incentive, noting that the "pretty good" funding associated with the contracts has attracted numerous small departments throughout the state. 205focus.com reached out to the remaining agencies for comment.
Operational Models and Community Pushback
Agencies generally select between three distinct models when entering these ICE agreements. The task force model has emerged as the most popular choice, largely because it provides participating agencies with specific reimbursement benefits.
However, the shift has drawn sharp criticism from groups like the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ). In a recent statement, the organization condemned the partnerships for fostering fear and executing a federal deportation agenda that removes community members. ACIJ has called for the abolition of ICE and an end to these local-federal enforcement tactics.
Enforcement Data vs. Stated Goals
While the federal administration has maintained that these efforts target individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, independent data paints a different picture. According to TRAC Reports, approximately 71% of current ICE detainees have no criminal conviction on their record. Furthermore, a recent academic study suggests that the recent uptick in enforcement has not resulted in a higher rate of arrests for convicted criminals.
Currently, Baldwin County leads the state with seven active 287(g) agreements, followed by Cherokee County with six. Jail logs from the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office indicate that 22 individuals have been booked on immigration-related charges since Tuesday.
