Las Vegas Police Defend 287(G) Immigration Program

Officials address misconceptions about partnership with ICE at Clark County Detention Center.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:58am

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A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, depicting the complex relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.The controversial 287(G) program has sparked ongoing debate over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement.Las Vegas Today

Las Vegas police have defended their use of the controversial 287(G) immigration program, which allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Officials say the program helps address public safety concerns, but critics argue it erodes trust between immigrant communities and the police.

Why it matters

The 287(G) program has been a source of ongoing debate, with proponents arguing it enhances public safety and opponents claiming it leads to racial profiling and discourages undocumented immigrants from reporting crimes. This issue is particularly salient in Las Vegas, which has a large immigrant population.

The details

Under the 287(G) program, trained Las Vegas police officers at the Clark County Detention Center are authorized to identify and process undocumented immigrants who have been arrested on other charges. Officials say this allows them to quickly transfer these individuals to ICE custody, but critics argue it blurs the line between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

  • The 287(G) program has been in place in Clark County since 2019.

The players

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that has partnered with ICE through the 287(G) program.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that collaborates with local police departments through the 287(G) program to identify and detain undocumented immigrants.

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What they’re saying

“The 287(G) program helps us address public safety concerns by ensuring that dangerous criminals are not released back into our communities.”

— Capt. Nichole Splinter, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

“This program erodes trust between immigrant communities and the police, which makes everyone less safe.”

— Juliana Gonzalez, Immigrant rights advocate

What’s next

The Clark County Commission is expected to review the 287(G) program later this year, amid ongoing calls from immigrant rights groups to end the partnership.

The takeaway

The debate over the 287(G) program highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, with both sides claiming to prioritize public safety but reaching different conclusions about the program's merits.