ICE Expands Presence in Georgia with 45 287(g) Agreements
Posted on 02/24/26 at 10:54
- 45 Georgia counties collaborate with ICE
- 287(g) program expands
- Differences with HB1105 Law
The number of counties and cities in Georgia with collaboration agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program in Georgia increased to 45 in February 2026.
The growth reflects a significant expansion of these types of agreements in the state, according to Univision.
The 287(g) program allows Sheriff’s Office deputies to assume specific immigration enforcement functions.
The 287(g) Program in Georgia Expands to 45 Counties
The number of counties and cities in Georgia that have a collaboration agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program rose to 45 this February 2026.
👉 https://t.co/mBIYLH7OrV pic.twitter.com/ivIoFEGHtM
— N+ UNIVISION ATLANTA (@nmasunivATL) February 22, 2026
In practice, local officers can carry out tasks that would normally correspond to federal immigration agents.
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In Georgia, the 287(g) program in Georgia operates under three distinct models.
Each model defines the scope of cooperation between local authorities and ICE.
How the Three 287(g) Models Operate in Georgia
36 counties and nine cities in Georgia have a collaboration agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program. This is the updated list for February 2026 and the difference between these agreements and HB1105. https://t.co/mBIYLH7OrV
— N+ UNIVISION ATLANTA (@nmasunivATL) February 22, 2026
- The first model is the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM).
This allows officers to identify and process undocumented immigrants who have been arrested by local police.
The primary focus of the JEM takes place inside jails.
It is activated after a person has already been detained by local authorities.
- The second model is the Warrant Service Officer (WSO).
Under this framework, ICE trains, certifies, and authorizes state and local officers.
These officers may serve and execute administrative immigration warrants within detention facilities.
The WSO is limited to the jail environment.
It does not include patrols in the community or public investigations.
- The third model is the Task Force Model (TFM).
This is the broadest type of agreement within the 287(g) program in Georgia.
It allows certified local officers to integrate into joint task forces with ICE.
These teams may investigate and arrest undocumented immigrants anywhere within the county.
The TFM includes active investigations, patrol operations, and arrests.
Its scope goes beyond jail-only enforcement.
Differences Between the 287(g) Program and Georgia’s HB1105 Law
Georgia also has House Bill 1105 (HB1105).
However, this law is not the same as a 287(g) agreement.
HB1105 requires local jails in the state to cooperate with ICE.
That cooperation focuses on specific cases.
The law applies when undocumented immigrants are arrested for serious crimes.
It also pays special attention to individuals with prior criminal records.
Its scope is limited to those circumstances.
It does not grant the broader enforcement authority available under certain 287(g) models.
How Far Can County Collaboration Go?
Counties that sign 287(g) agreements may collaborate with ICE in more scenarios.
That cooperation may occur when an immigrant is arrested for either minor or serious offenses.
This expands the scope of action compared to HB1105.
Depending on the model adopted, the level of local participation varies.
Under JEM and WSO, enforcement occurs primarily inside jails.
Under the TFM, actions may take place anywhere in the county.
With 45 counties and cities participating as of February 2026, the 287(g) program in Georgia has significantly expanded.
The type of model adopted determines the scope of immigration functions delegated to local authorities.
The difference between state law and federal agreements ultimately defines the level of local intervention.
The debate over these mechanisms continues as participation across Georgia grows.
