Elected sheriffs are poised to play a central role in President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan, with many eager to collaborate with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.
The plan, led by incoming border czar Tom Homan, emphasizes federal, state, and local partnerships, particularly through the revitalized 287(g) program, which allows local jails to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and detaining illegal immigrants.
Groups like the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) are championing the initiative, arguing that sheriffs’ local knowledge will make deportations safer and more efficient.
While some sheriffs in blue states are willing to cooperate with ICE, others like San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez are refusing to comply, highlighting deep ideological divides and potential conflicts between federal and local governments.
The plan faces significant opposition in liberal cities like Chicago, setting the stage for legal and political battles over immigration enforcement, with potential long-term impacts on trust in law enforcement and the human costs of mass deportations.
The incoming border czar, Tom Homan, has been dropping hints about a new era of federal, state and local cooperation aimed at deporting illegal immigrants. And sheriffs across the country are warming up to the idea, eagerly volunteering to be the workforce behind Trump’s grand deportation scheme.
The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), a conservative group known for its staunch opposition to what it deems “unconstitutional” government intrusions, is leading the charge. Sam Bushman, CEO of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), sees this as a historic opportunity for sheriffs to join the federal government in a unified front against illegal immigration.
“Our nation wants a safe country and we’ve had enough crime,” Homan declared during a stop in Texas. His words are ringing in the ears of sheriffs everywhere, fueling their resolve to crack down on illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal records or pending charges. The ultimate goal is to rid the country of what Homan believes are the primary sources of crime and violence.
Richard Mack, a former Arizona sheriff and CSPOA founder puts it bluntly: “Who in this country knows their counties better than the sheriff?” He pointed out that by leveraging the local knowledge of sheriffs, the deportation process can become safer and more efficient.
Trump’s plan calls for the removal of nearly 11 million people who entered the country illegally since 2021. It relies heavily on the 287(g) program, a framework that allows local jails to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and detaining illegal immigrants.
This program, which was expanded under Trump’s first term and later paused by the administration of outgoing President Joe Biden, is now set to be revitalized. ICE, with its limited manpower, will likely count on sheriffs to help fill the gap. The vision is to create a seamless pipeline of deportations, with ICE officers picking up detainees right from within jail cells rather than conducting risky and costly street operations.
In blue states like Maryland and Michigan, some sheriffs are willing to cooperate with ICE, albeit with caveats. Sheriff Dar Lief of Michigan’s Barry County is a case in point. Despite his Democratic leanings, he supports removing violent criminals from the streets.
Highlighting the complex moral and legal implications involved, Lief asked: “Nonetheless, our governor here asked residents to take in illegal immigrants. Who are you opening up your house to?”
Far-left sheriffs refuse to cooperate with the incoming administration
However, not everyone shares this vision. Democratic San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez has flatly refused to comply with a new county policy banning her department from working with ICE on immigration enforcement. Her defiance showcases the deep divides this plan will widen between the federal and local governments and within communities themselves. This move could be the last straw in a world where trust in law enforcement is already fragile.
On the other side of the spectrum, cities like Chicago, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson, are gearing up for a showdown with Trump’s administration. Homan’s declaration that he will “prosecute” any official who hinders deportation efforts sets the stage for high-stakes showdowns in liberal stronghold cities. (Related: Incoming “border czar” Tom Homan: Trump’s mass deportation operation to start in Chicago.)
This drama is far from over. In the years to come, we will see whether the will to deport illegal immigrants outweighs the human costs and whether the trust in law enforcement can survive such an intrusive and sweeping policy.
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