Multiple U.S. Police Departments End ICE Cooperation Citing Staffing Issues and Community Concerns

Several U.S. police departments have recently ended or paused cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing various reasons including staffing shortages and community concerns. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux rejected a $25 million partnership with ICE's 287(g) program, emphasizing the priority of addressing local crime and maintaining community trust, a position supported by Dallas City Council members and opposed by Mayor Eric Johnson who advocates for public discussion on the matter. Meanwhile, the Wells Police Department in Maine ended its involvement with ICE following community backlash and a petition, highlighting concerns over the politicization of policing. In Michigan, Genesee County's Metro Police Authority, under Chief Matt Bade, rescinded its ICE cooperation agreement due to staffing challenges that prevented officers from completing required training, despite initially viewing the program as potentially beneficial; this decision was not influenced by opposition from immigration rights advocates. These developments reflect ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement amid national debates on immigration policy.