WGCU and Florida Tribune report ICE memo blocking 287(g) public records

Reporter Monique O. Madan published the ICE confidential memo through WGCU and the Florida Tribune on May 6, 2026, making the directive public for the first time. The reporting confirmed the memo had been sent to 287(g) agencies in Texas and Florida, and documented Sweetwater City Attorney Ralph Ventura's internal guidance directing staff not to discuss 287(g) activities publicly without prior ICE clearance. Reason followed with additional reporting on May 8. Federal sources told WLRN the protocol was rolling out nationally, though ICE did not publicly acknowledge the memo or its distribution scope.