The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has proposed an insurance plan that would help protect local and state police officers from personal financial liability if they face allegations of misconduct while making immigration arrests.
Under the proposal, local officers trained and deputized to enforce federal immigration laws would be eligible for professional liability insurance of up to $500,000.
The coverage could help pay legal fees, settlements and judgments arising from claims such as wrongful arrest or excessive force.
ICE has not provided a clear timeline for when the program could launch while the document informs that officers would be reimbursed up to $250 annually, matching the estimated cost of the insurance policy.
The agency is considering hiring a contractor to handle outreach, training and communications with participating local departments.
Additionally, the contractor would also select an insurance provider and process reimbursements.
ICE has asked industry representatives to provide feedback on the proposal by later this week.
As reported by Reuters, the proposal has drawn criticism from immigration and civil rights advocates.
David Bier, director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, said the plan could reduce the financial risks officers face when accused of violating people’s rights while carrying out immigration enforcement.
Trump has defended his broader immigration crackdown and deportation campaign as a measure aimed at improving domestic security.
Rights groups, however, have accused the administration of violating due process and free speech rights and raising concerns about racial profiling.
ICE’s partnerships with local law enforcement agencies under the 287(g) program and task force models have expanded significantly, with nearly 1,600 agencies across 32 states participating. Arrests carried out through these partnerships have also increased.
Immigration advocates and civil rights groups have largely criticized the proposal.
Critics, such as representatives from the Cato Institute, argue that the plan goes “above and beyond to guarantee law enforcement does not have even the slightest risk of liability for violating Americans’ rights” while assisting with federal deportations, ultimately reducing accountability for officer misconduct.
