U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is calling on local and state law enforcement agencies across the country to join its increasingly popular 287(g) program, which empowers officers to assist federal authorities in identifying and removing dangerous illegal aliens, many of whom are already behind bars for other crimes.

According to a new report from The Center Square, ICE has now signed a record 635 Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with law enforcement agencies in 40 states—marking an unprecedented expansion of cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s leadership.

Named after Section 287(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996, the program allows ICE to deputize local law enforcement to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties under ICE’s supervision. The agency offers free training, access to federal databases, priority access to grant funding, and a direct line of coordination with the Trump administration.

Participating agencies can choose from three models:

• Jail Enforcement Model (JEM)
• Task Force Model (TFM)
• Warrant Service Officer (WSO)

Florida is leading the charge, with all 67 county sheriff’s offices participating in at least one 287(g) model, and many engaged in all three. Florida is also the only state where every major state agency—including the Highway Patrol, Department of Law Enforcement, State Guard, and even the Department of Lottery Services—is participating. Nearly 90 local police departments, two airport police forces, and even state universities have signed MOAs with ICE, making Florida the gold standard in 287(g) compliance.

“Florida has become a model of what full cooperation with ICE looks like,” a senior DHS official told The Center Square. “From sheriffs to wildlife enforcement, they’ve decided to make protecting their communities from criminal illegal aliens a priority.”

Among the 287(g) successes:

• 228 Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreements across 31 states
• 100 Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) agreements in 25 states
• 307 Task Force Model (TFM) agreements in 30 states
• 68 additional applications currently under review

The expansion of 287(g) comes just weeks after President Trump signed an executive order targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” with the threat of defunding and possible criminal penalties. During a recent White House appearance, Border Czar Tom Homan hinted that local officials in defiant jurisdictions could face arrest for “harboring” illegal aliens—an act that violates federal immigration law.

Asked by a reporter if sanctuary leaders could be prosecuted, Homan smirked and replied: “Wait ’til you see what’s coming.”

The message is clear: under Trump’s America First immigration policy, no jurisdiction is above the law, and no criminal alien will be shielded from justice.

While left-wing activists continue to fight tooth and nail to shield those who violate U.S. immigration law, patriotic law enforcement officers are stepping up—and Florida is setting the standard.