Kentucky Bill Would Require All Police Departments to Work with ICE Task Force Under 287(g) Program
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Kentucky lawmakers are reviewing a controversial proposal that would require every police department in the state — including the Kentucky State Police — to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) task force model, giving officers limited federal immigration enforcement powers.
Bill Seeks Mandatory ICE Partnerships for All Agencies
Rep. TJ Roberts, a Republican from Burlington, submitted a bill request ahead of the 2026 General Assembly, which convenes in January. His proposal would force all local and state law enforcement agencies to adopt ICE’s 287(g) task force model, which allows trained officers to process immigration violations during routine policing.
Roberts argued that the measure would help target areas with higher activity related to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and interstate travel corridors.
He told lawmakers the bill is not intended to authorize local officers to seek out undocumented immigrants on their own, but to allow immigration checks during traffic stops or criminal investigations when reasonable suspicion exists.
Controversy Surrounding the Program’s History
ICE’s 287(g) task force model has a troubled past.
The federal government shut it down in 2012, citing findings that some local agencies racially profiled Latino residents and violated civil rights.
The program was revived this year under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump during his second term.
Currently, roughly a dozen Kentucky agencies — mostly in rural areas — already participate voluntarily. Roberts says that is not enough, arguing the program is needed in “areas where enforcement is most critical.”
Critics Warn of Civil Rights Issues and Harm to Community Trust
Several lawmakers pushed back during the committee discussion.
Rep. George Brown Jr., a Democrat from Lexington, argued mandatory participation could damage community relationships and erode due process.
Rep. Rachel Roarx, a Democrat from Louisville, raised concerns about staffing shortages and diverting officers from investigating violent crimes.
The ACLU of Kentucky issued a statement strongly opposing the bill, calling it an attempt to import failed policies from other states and warning it would “undermine public safety” and “strain law enforcement resources.”
Financial Incentives for Departments
Roberts emphasized that ICE now offers substantial compensation:
- Reimbursement for salary and benefits of trained officers
- Overtime coverage
- Performance bonuses for successfully assisting ICE operations
Republican Rep. Patrick Flannery said these incentives could provide meaningful funding boosts to local police departments.
What Happens Next
The full discussion is available on YouTube, and the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly will officially convene on January 6. The bill is expected to draw strong debate from both supporters and opponents as the session approaches.
Stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com for ongoing updates on this developing Kentucky policy debate.