The article outlines the 287(g) program initiated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to foster collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. This program, enacted in 1996 and expanded under the Trump administration, permits local police officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions that would typically be reserved for federal agents. As of February, there are 1,379 active agreements in 40 states, although many jurisdictions oppose these collaborations with policies against them.

The program has drawn considerable criticism for its implications for migrant communities, which often perceive it as a tool for increasing deportations and intimidation. Many local governments have responded by instituting 'sanctuary' policies to shield undocumented immigrants from potential ICE actions. The article also highlights ongoing debates about the effectiveness and moral standing of the program, noting the impact on community policing and trust between local law enforcement and immigrant populations.

Overall, while the 287(g) program was designed to enhance immigration enforcement, it raises complex questions about civil rights, community safety, and the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters. The tensions between federal priorities and local governance illustrate the broader conflicts surrounding immigration policy in the U.S.