Trump administration launches expanded 287(g) program, pressuring New York county sheriffs to deputize as ICE agents

The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security announced a major expansion of the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to enter ICE cooperation agreements. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem sent letters to New York sheriffs urging them to sign 287(g) contracts. Several upstate counties — including Rensselaer and Rockland — moved toward signing, fracturing the statewide non-cooperation norm that had prevailed since Bloomberg's 2003 sanctuary order.