ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Local law enforcement agencies across Missouri are quietly signing contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the federal government offering financial incentives, including equipment, vehicles, and salary reimbursements for participating officers.
First Alert 4 Investigates has learned that more than 40 of what are known as 287(g) agreements have been signed with agencies across the state— contracts that allow state and local law enforcement officers to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight. Immigration advocates say the agreements raise concerns about racial profiling and over-policing.
Alicia Hernandez with the MICA Project, a local immigration organization, said no such agreements existed in Missouri until recently…