Three states — West Virginia, South Dakota, and Arkansas — have entered into new agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to bolster immigration enforcement, each tailoring their approach to address local challenges such as crime and drug trafficking. These partnerships, enacted under the federal 287(g) program, aim to enhance public safety while sparking debate over their scope and implications.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced one of the most expansive state-ICE collaborations to date on August 13, 2025, in Parkersburg, involving the West Virginia State Police, Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and National Guard.
Morrisey emphasized the state’s severe fentanyl crisis, noting that over 81% of fatal drug overdoses in 2023 involved fentanyl, which he links to unauthorized immigration. “West Virginia became an effective ‘border state’ due to the massive fentanyl problem caused by illegal immigration,” Morrisey told Fox News Digital, arguing that the state, despite being 1,500 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, feels significant impacts from border-related issues.
However, data from the United States Sentencing Commission indicates that over 85% of individuals charged with fentanyl trafficking are U.S. citizens, suggesting a complex picture of drug distribution networks.
The agreement equips trained state personnel with “task force” authority to question individuals about their immigration status during routine duties, issue detainers, and make warrantless arrests if a person is deemed a flight risk, all under federal oversight. The Division of Corrections can also hold detainees and serve immigration warrants, aiming to prevent premature releases and enhance community safety.
South Dakota’s Targeted Public Safety Initiative
In South Dakota, Governor Larry Rhoden introduced “Operation Prairie Thunder,” a public safety program centered on the Sioux Falls area, which includes cooperation with ICE to combat drug trafficking, gang activity, and other crimes. Rhoden, who succeeded Kristi Noem after her appointment as Homeland Security Secretary, described the initiative as a “comprehensive, targeted public safety initiative.”
The South Dakota Highway Patrol will assist ICE with arrests, while six National Guard members will support administrative tasks, and the Department of Corrections will aid in identifying and transferring undocumented immigrants in custody.
This collaboration, less extensive than West Virginia’s, focuses on supporting federal efforts while addressing local crime concerns, aiming to protect communities by streamlining coordination with ICE. Rhoden’s approach reflects a balance between state priorities and federal immigration goals, ensuring resources are directed toward tangible safety outcomes.
Arkansas Enhances Penalties with New Legislation
Arkansas has taken a legislative approach with the “Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act,” signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, which increases penalties for undocumented immigrants committing serious violent felonies and authorizes sheriffs to participate in the 287(g) program.
The law allows law enforcement to serve immigration warrants for those already in custody for other offenses, while Arkansas State Police will exceed minimum requirements by permitting officers to inquire about immigration status during public interactions, potentially leading to arrests after completing a 40-hour training course on immigration law, civil rights, and liability.
Sanders emphasized the state’s commitment to public safety, stating, “The Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act makes it clear: Arkansas will not tolerate violent, criminal illegals and will do our part to help the Trump administration keep our citizens safe.” The law aims to deter crime and support federal deportation efforts, contributing to safer communities across Arkansas.
Balancing Safety Goals with Implications
These state-level agreements, also adopted by Florida and Wyoming, align with President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities, focusing on removing individuals who pose safety risks. Proponents argue that such measures strengthen local law enforcement’s ability to address crimes exacerbated by illegal immigration, such as drug trafficking, while critics raise concerns about potential overreach, including risks of racial profiling, as noted in a 2011 Department of Justice investigation into a similar Arizona program.
The initiatives aim to deliver safer streets and reduced drug-related deaths, but their effectiveness and fairness will depend on rigorous training and oversight to ensure compliance with legal and civil rights standards.
