Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in suburban Indianapolis has expressed interest in partnering with federal immigration authorities to identify and detain immigrants in the U.S. illegally and facing charges. Despite previous attempts under President Joe Biden's administration, the calls were left unanswered. However, with President Donald Trump's focus on illegal immigration, Hamilton County deputies may soon become the first in Indiana authorized to carry out federal immigration duties, aligning with the administration's goals of collaboration with ICE for community safety.
Under Trump, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement is expanding the 287(g) program, which trains local law officers to question and detain immigrants in custody for potential deportation. The program currently applies to individuals already jailed or imprisoned on charges, but there are plans to extend it to include local task forces for street arrests, a model previously discontinued by former President Barack Obama due to concerns about racial profiling.
