ICE and Local Law Enforcement:Understanding 287(g) Agreements & How Civil Society Engages

(Terri Gulyas, DEI Committee Chair)

During our last DEI webinar, we briefly discussed 287g agreements. Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These partnerships come in two primary forms: Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) agreements and Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreements. Under the Jail Enforcement Model, certain local officers receive ICE training and authorization to identify and process individuals for potential immigration violations within jails, after an arrest for unrelated reasons. This model does not allow officers to conduct immigration enforcement in the field or during routine policing; it applies only within the jail setting.

The Warrant Service Officer model is a more limited version used by many counties, including Brown County. In this arrangement, a small number of trained officers are authorized only to serve ICE administrative warrants and detainers on individuals already in custody. They cannot question people about immigration status or initiate immigration actions on their own. Both types of agreements operate under ICE supervision, require annual audits, and vary widely from county to county based on local policy choices, capacity, and community priorities.

How Civil Society Typically Engages With Immigration Issues

Across the United States, civic organizations, nonprofit groups, and community coalitions commonly engage with immigration issues through education, research, and public-facing information efforts. Many groups focus on explaining complicated federal programs—such as 287(g)—in accessible terms so voters and residents can better understand how national policies intersect with local law enforcement. Others gather publicly available data, review government reports, or track the outcomes of immigration partnerships to support informed community conversations. These are all actions we can pursue as League members or as concerned citizens.

In addition, civil society organizations often create spaces for dialogue, host nonpartisan forums, or collaborate with legal-aid and social-service groups to share general information about immigrant rights under federal law. Some organizations also observe local government meetings, monitor public contracts, or follow policy developments as part of their mission to promote transparency and civic participation. These activities are generally aimed at helping communities stay informed, understand the implications of federal-local partnerships, and consider their effects on public trust, safety, and community well-being. Again, these would all be great ways for us to move forward toward recission of the 287g agreement that is currently in effect in Brown County.

The community of Palmyra, Wisconsin, recently made national news when they were considering signing a 287g agreement with ICE. Their police department was a small one, and funding had been limited. After hearing the public opinions on both sides, they opted not to sign the 287g agreement. Read this Washington Post article for more information about how Palmyra responded to community concerns.

During 2026, the DEI committee will focus on action plans that include alliances with other organizations and community partners. There is so much to be done, but many hands make light work. Please join us in the New Year!