Kentucky should not be forced to copy failed immigration enforcement strategies from other states. Yet that’s exactly what Rep. TJ Roberts is proposing with a dangerous new bill that would force all state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE. This would give local police the power to act as immigration agents—interrogating, arresting, and detaining Kentuckians suspected of being undocumented, often based on little more than a traffic stop or “reasonable suspicion.”

This bill is more than just a policy change. It’s a direct threat to public safety, civil rights, and community trust. As ACLU-KY Executive Director Amber Duke warned, this kind of forced participation in federal immigration enforcement will “undermine public safety, erode constitutional rights, strain law enforcement resources, and damage community trust across Kentucky.”

Right now, local police departments can choose whether to partner with ICE. Most choose not to, because they know these programs make it harder—not easier—to protect their communities. When people fear that calling the police could lead to deportation, they stop reporting crimes, showing up to court, or cooperating with investigations. That makes all of us less safe.

This proposal also strips away local control. Cities and counties should be able to decide what’s best for their residents, not be forced into a federal enforcement role that stretches already thin resources and exposes them to lawsuits and liability.

Kentuckians deserve real solutions that strengthen public safety, not political stunts that divide our communities. We call on the Kentucky General Assembly to reject this bill and keep law enforcement focused on serving and protecting—not detaining and deporting.

Sign this petition to tell the Kentucky General Assembly: Vote NO on mandatory ICE agreements. Keep local police local—and keep Kentucky safe for all.

Photo:  Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader