Clermont police enrolled in ICE 287(g) training; chief says participation limited to training and criminal-warrant assistance

Interim Police Chief John Grasick told the City Council the Clermont Police Department has entered the 287(g) program and will send up to six personnel to ICE-provided training on federal immigration statutes.

Chief Grasick said the department “did enter into the 287g program,” and described the arrangement as training-focused: the department identified six personnel to attend training so the city would have staff knowledgeable about federal immigration statutes if ICE requests local assistance. Grasick said, “We will not, at this point, be taking part in any task force or anything like that” and that the department’s role would be limited to assisting on criminal warrants vetted through federal courts. He added administrative warrants vetted by ICE are for information only and local officers “would not take any action upon” those administrative warrants.

Council members and public commenters had asked whether the agreement required city expenditures or compelled officers to act in certain cases. Chief Grasick said the city “has not entered in anything like that” requiring expenditures. He described the training as no-cost to the city and approximately 40 hours per attendee. When asked whether the department had already identified the six personnel, Grasick replied no; personnel selection and scheduling will follow and training will occur during normal duty hours.

Council members asked that the public be kept informed if the level of service or operational participation with ICE changes. Grasick confirmed the council and public would be notified if the service level changed.