Governor Gordon Solidifies Worksite Enforcement Partnership Agreement with ICE for Immigration Apprehension
In a significant move aimed at bolstering immigration enforcement, the Wyoming Highway Patrol has entered into a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This marks the first time a state law enforcement agency in Wyoming has joined the program.
Governor Mark Gordon's Office confirmed the participation, with Governor Gordon expressing strong support for the agreement. He framed it as a continuation of Wyoming’s commitment to national security and border protection through effective immigration enforcement.
Under the 287(g) agreement, Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers are delegated limited immigration enforcement authority by ICE. This allows them to assist ICE by identifying individuals who violate federal immigration laws during their daily patrol operations on Wyoming’s interstates, which are key corridors for cross-country travel.
The participation is conducted under the Task Force Model of the 287(g) program, authorized by Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This model permits ICE to delegate specific immigration enforcement powers to state and local officers.
With this new role, Wyoming Highway Patrol officers will have the ability to enforce U.S. immigration laws as part of the 287(g) program. They will assist ICE with immigration enforcement while performing their regular duties. This includes taking action against illegal aliens and developing evidence for immigration cases under ICE direction.
The program also allows Wyoming Highway Patrol officers to access ICE databases to help establish whether individuals are lawfully present and take appropriate detention actions under ICE's direction.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol's involvement enhances public safety by expanding access to federal immigration resources and intelligence and strengthens collaboration with local law enforcement entities already participating in 287(g), such as sheriff’s offices in several Wyoming counties (Laramie, Natrona, Sweetwater, Carbon, and Campbell).
Notably, five Wyoming county sheriff's offices are currently enrolled in a 287(g) agreement. Additional Wyoming counties are exploring participation in the program.
The memorandum of agreement grants the Wyoming Highway Patrol the authority to take action and develop evidence when they encounter individuals violating U.S. immigration laws. The training for Highway Patrol officers will be paid for by ICE, and there is no additional cost to the state for participating in the 287(g) program.
President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14159 in January, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop agreements under the 287(g) program with states. Governor Mark Gordon announced the Wyoming Highway Patrol's participation in the 287(g) program to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The agreement allows the Wyoming Highway Patrol to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE's oversight. The patrol will be working in partnership with those counties that are already enrolled in the 287(g) program.
In summary, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, under the 287(g) program, can perform certain immigration enforcement duties delegated by ICE, focused primarily on identifying and processing immigration violators encountered during traffic and patrol stops along major highways, with oversight and training provided by ICE. This partnership aims to strengthen Wyoming's role in maintaining national security and border protection.
- This partnership between the Wyoming Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program falls under the category of policy-and-legislation, as it involves a significant agreement designed to bolster immigration enforcement.
- The involvement of the Wyoming Highway Patrol in the 287(g) program, which enables them to assist ICE with immigration enforcement while performing their regular duties, marks a significant development in Wyoming's politics and general news.
