Key facts
- ICE is proposing to subsidize liability insurance for local officers deputized to enforce federal immigration laws.
- The insurance would cover up to $500,000 in personal liability, with officers reimbursed up to $250 annually.
- This initiative aims to encourage more local police departments to participate in federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
- Critics argue the program could shield officers from accountability for misconduct.
- ICE is seeking industry feedback on the proposal by Thursday.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has put forward a proposal to subsidize liability insurance for local police officers who are trained and deputized to enforce federal immigration laws. This initiative aims to protect these officers from potential financial consequences if they face misconduct claims while on duty.
Under the plan, officers could obtain professional liability insurance covering up to $500,000, which can pay for legal fees, settlements, and judgments. ICE would reimburse officers up to $250 annually for the cost of this insurance. The agency is seeking industry feedback on the proposal by later this week.