Arkansas law enforcement officials said Wednesday that 48 people have been held on immigration detainers through the state polices participation in a federal immigration program since September.
The announcement came during a legislative hearing where lawmakers sought more details about the cost and scope of the program, which grants state police limited authority to enforce federal immigration law. Republican Sen. Missy Irvin, co-chair of the subcommittee overseeing State Police, said she wanted to ensure all officers were trained and participating in the program.
Arkansas State Police joined the 287(g) Task Force Model program last summer after a state law required the agency, along with the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs, to participate. The program allows troopers to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they believe someone encountered during routine duties may be in the country illegally. ICE can then place an immigration detainer on that person.
Since the agreement, all but a handful of troopers have completed the required 60-hour training. Director Col. Mike Hagar said the training was conducted alongside regular duties, did not impact agency operations, and the state has not sought federal reimbursement for training costs. County jails holding immigrants are believed to be reimbursed, though the exact amounts are unclear.
During the hearing, some lawmakers expressed concern about the programs impact on immigrants without criminal histories. Hagar said state police are not participating in any operations targeting immigrants beyond those arrested for crimes, and troopers are expected to exercise discretion under the law.
The program aligns with federal immigration priorities, including the enforcement of deportations for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, though Hagar noted federal resources in Arkansas remain minimal.
Sen. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, said while he supports efforts to detain immigrants with criminal convictions, he wants to ensure state police are not assisting in detaining law-abiding immigrants. Hagar reassured lawmakers that troopers have been trained to distinguish between those with and without criminal histories and to exercise judgment in accordance with the law.
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