Rising ICE Cooperation Agreements Prove Americans Want Immigration Law Enforcement Despite Media Narrative
Source: Chris Bray. "New Evidence Shows America Wants To Enforce Immigration Laws." February 18, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that despite all the protests against ICE you see on TV, the real evidence shows Americans want immigration laws enforced. The proof is that over 1,400 local police departments have signed up to help ICE, way more than under Biden, and Democratic politicians are panicking to stop it.
Conclusion
Americans actually want immigration laws enforced, contrary to what media coverage of protests suggests
Premises
- The number of local police departments cooperating with ICE through 287(g) agreements has increased dramatically from 135 during Biden administration to 1,427 by February 2026
- This cooperation is growing across 40 states with nearly 150 new agencies joining in just the first weeks of 2026 alone
- Democratic governors in Virginia and Maryland are frantically trying to block these agreements through executive orders and emergency legislation
- The panic among Democrats and media about these agreements contrasts sharply with their rapid proliferation
- Media coverage focuses on protests and riots against ICE, creating a false impression that opposition to immigration enforcement is widespread
- Local law enforcement agencies are voluntarily choosing to formalize cooperation with ICE despite political pressure
Assumptions
- Local police departments' decisions to cooperate with ICE reflect broader public sentiment rather than just institutional preferences
- The number of cooperation agreements is a more reliable indicator of public opinion than protest activity
- Democratic opposition to these agreements indicates they know public opinion favors enforcement
- Media coverage of protests creates a misleading impression of overall public sentiment