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Mayors Unite to Define ICE Cooperation Guidelines

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -unite-to-define-ice-cooperation-guidelines.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 14:07 GMT by The Boston Globe
      Locales: Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, New York, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - January 29th, 2026 - A growing coalition of US mayors is proactively addressing the complex and often fraught relationship between local governments and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This collaborative initiative, gaining momentum across the nation, focuses on establishing clear, consistent, and legally defensible guidelines for how cities respond to ICE requests - particularly concerning detainers and information sharing. The effort represents a significant attempt by local leaders to balance federal immigration enforcement with the needs and legal protections of their communities.

The genesis of this collaboration lies in a surge of legal challenges faced by municipalities over their varying levels of cooperation with ICE. Cities that have wholeheartedly embraced ICE requests have found themselves embroiled in lawsuits alleging civil rights violations and overreach. Conversely, those implementing stricter "sanctuary" policies have faced legal battles from the Justice Department, accusing them of obstructing federal law. This precarious position prompted Mayor Patricia Thompson of Chicago, a key architect of the coalition, to state, "This isn't about politics; it's about protecting our communities and ensuring fairness." She emphasizes the proactive nature of the initiative; a move to define best practices, rather than react to legal action.

The mayors' group is concentrating on three core pillars. First, they are developing detailed protocols for evaluating ICE detainer requests. These requests, which compel local law enforcement to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations beyond their scheduled release date, are frequently the source of legal disputes. The coalition is working to establish criteria for determining the legal basis of these detainers, ensuring probable cause is demonstrated, and assessing potential constitutional concerns before compliance. A central question is how to balance ICE's requests with individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful detention.

Secondly, the initiative tackles the sensitive issue of information sharing. The mayors recognize the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate, but also underscore the importance of protecting the privacy of residents. The group is drafting guidelines that delineate what information can be shared with ICE, under what circumstances, and with appropriate safeguards to prevent misuse. This includes establishing protocols for verifying the legitimacy of ICE requests and ensuring compliance with privacy laws like the Privacy Act of 1974.

Finally, the collaborative effort places significant emphasis on training. Recognizing that frontline employees - police officers, corrections officers, and city clerks - are often the first point of contact with ICE, the mayors are advocating for comprehensive training programs. These programs will cover legal requirements related to immigration enforcement, best practices for handling ICE requests, and techniques for de-escalation and respectful interaction with all community members. Funding for these training programs is being explored through a combination of city budgets and potential federal grant opportunities.

This initiative reflects a broader national trend of local governments asserting greater autonomy in immigration matters. While the federal government retains primary authority over immigration policy, cities and counties are increasingly acting as a buffer between federal enforcement and their communities. The rise of "sanctuary" cities, coupled with the efforts of this mayoral coalition, demonstrates a desire to tailor immigration responses to local needs and values. This isn't necessarily a rejection of federal authority, but rather a demand for clearer guidelines and a voice in how immigration policies are implemented at the local level.

However, the path forward isn't without obstacles. The Justice Department, under previous and potentially future administrations, has demonstrated a willingness to challenge cities deemed to be obstructing federal immigration enforcement. This creates a constant tension between local autonomy and federal authority. The mayors' group acknowledges this dynamic and hopes that their standardized guidelines will provide a framework for constructive dialogue with federal authorities, demonstrating a commitment to both legal compliance and community well-being. The goal is to create a predictable, transparent process that minimizes legal risks and fosters trust between local governments, federal agencies, and the communities they serve.