House Republican Urges Local Law Enforcement to Collaborate with ICE on Immigration Enforcement
In a move signaling a renewed push for stricter immigration enforcement, prominent House Republican Clay Higgins is calling upon local law enforcement agencies across the country to prepare for increased collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration operations. Higgins, representing Southern Louisiana and serving as the chair of the House Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Subcommittee, made the appeal during a recent subcommittee hearing, emphasizing the need for local authorities to "get your mind right" and train to support the Trump administration’s agenda of securing the border and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Higgins’ remarks underscored the growing concern among some Republicans regarding the perceived shortcomings of current immigration policies and the need for more robust enforcement measures. He specifically stated that ICE would soon be offering opportunities for local law enforcement to join task forces dedicated to removing "criminal illegals," framing the initiative as an "ongoing operation" aimed at restoring law and order within the country.
The subcommittee, according to Higgins, intends to play an active role in this effort, suggesting a concerted effort to exert congressional influence over immigration enforcement practices. The call to action comes against the backdrop of what Higgins describes as a "weaponization of our justice system, lawlessness in our cities, and an open border" that has purportedly facilitated the influx of drugs and dangerous gangs into the United States.
Higgins vowed that the current Congress would prioritize addressing these issues, ensuring that President Trump has the necessary tools and resources to combat crime. The emphasis on providing support to the President highlights the alignment of priorities between the legislative and executive branches in the pursuit of stricter immigration control.
During the House Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Subcommittee hearing, several experts testified about the challenges they face. One of the challenges is caused by local "sanctuary" policies that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, such as ICE. The experts collectively argued that these policies hinder effective immigration law enforcement and pose a risk to community safety.
Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, was among the experts presenting evidence and expressing concerns. He argued that under the Biden administration, a substantial influx of approximately 14 million undocumented immigrants has entered the country. Humire warned that even if a small percentage (0.5%) of these individuals are involved in criminal activities, the sheer scale of the influx could result in a significant criminal presence within the United States.
Humire painted a stark picture, suggesting that this criminal contingent could potentially rival the size of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps combined, presenting a significant national security threat. He challenged the notion that this situation does not warrant a national security emergency declaration, signaling the gravity of the perceived threat.
The hearing also featured testimony from Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County, Florida, who shed light on his department’s involvement in ICE’s 287(g) program. This program empowers local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE on specific immigration enforcement activities, such as detaining and processing individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
Gualtieri explained that, given the presence of criminal undocumented immigrants in his jurisdiction, his department voluntarily participates in the 287(g) program. Despite this involvement, he called on Congress to enact federal legislation granting local jails the authority to hold criminal undocumented immigrants for ICE based solely on immigration detainers.
Gualtieri expressed the need to give immigration detainers the "force of law" rather than simply considering them requests with no legal backing. He argued that this change would streamline the deportation process for criminal undocumented immigrants, ensuring that they are removed from the country directly from jail instead of being released back into the community where they might commit further crimes.
He firmly believes that this legislative fix is crucial and should be implemented promptly to prevent criminal undocumented immigrants from reoffending after being released from custody. Gualtieri’s testimony underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in balancing local policies and federal immigration enforcement priorities.
The push for greater collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE reflects a broader debate on immigration policy and the role of local authorities in enforcing federal laws. Proponents of stricter immigration enforcement argue that cooperation with federal agencies is essential for maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law. Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential for civil rights violations and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
The outcome of this renewed push for collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE remains to be seen. The debate surrounding immigration enforcement is likely to continue to be a contentious issue, with differing viewpoints on the appropriate balance between national security concerns and individual liberties.
