US EditionSheriff Defends Decision to Decline ICE Program
- Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy declined in March 2025 to join a federal ICE program that requires counties to dedicate jail space and resources to immigration enforcement.
- Kennedy explained that limited staff and jail capacity made the program, which deputizes local agencies under a 1996 law, an unsuitable fit for his county serving about 100,000 people.
- Despite refusing the program, Kennedy said his office remains cooperative with ICE, but emphasized that dedicating his 181-bed jail to immigration could reduce other law enforcement effectiveness.
- As of May 19, 2025, 588 state and local agencies in 40 states have deputized staff for immigration enforcement, with 83 pending applications, and only Iowa’s Department of Public Safety participates in the program statewide.
- Kennedy’s refusal may place his county on a federal list of sanctuary jurisdictions created by President Trump’s April 28 executive order to highlight areas obstructing immigration law enforcement.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Sheriff defends decision to decline ICE program
By Emma’le Maas Click here for updates on this story DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWWL) — Monday morning at the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors meeting, Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy defended his decision to decline an offer to join a federal ICE program. 287-g is an existing program currently only Iowa State Patrol has an agreement for in the state, which gives ICE officer authorizations to state officers. Earlier this month, an ICE representati…
Chicago Tribune
Independent EspañolIowa Sheriff Warns County Could Be Publicly Rebuked by Trump Administration
By HANNAH FINGERHUT By HANNAH FINGERHUT (AP) — An Iowa sheriff warned that his county could face public rebuke from the Trump administration for not being sufficiently supportive of the president’s immigration agenda, though he says he’d be “more than happy” to help and just wants to make sure he’s not left with too few deputies, jail beds and resources to meet the county’s needs. Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy, who serves nearly 100.
Sheriff clarifies responsibilities, limits of ICE program participation
LACONIA — Belknap County Commissioners heard from Sheriff Bill Wright Monday night, who told them members of his department are undergoing required training pursuant to a partnership program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
St Catharines Standard
Loonie PoliticsIowa sheriff who won’t join immigration enforcement program heeds risk of ‘sanctuary’ status
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa sheriff is warning that his county may be publicly shamed by the Trump administration for insufficiently backing the president's immigration agenda, though he says he is “more than happy” to help. He said…
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