Polk County approves participation in ICE 287(g) jail notification program after heated public comment

Polk County commissioners voted to approve a resolution authorizing the county27s participation in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) warrant service officer model and to allow the county judge to execute related agreements, drawing extended public comment and sharp disagreement at the Feb. 10 meeting.

Opponents in the packed public-comment period urged delay or rejection, citing allegations of constitutional violations and harm in ICE custody. "People are being abused in ICE facilities," said Jennifer Knapp, who asked commissioners to "either just say no to this or at least delay it so you can get these questions answered." Carolyn Bischoff, a former educator, warned that "children who will likely stop attending school" if parents fear confrontations with masked agents.

Richard Burr, who described himself as a longtime border-security reporter, told the court that ICE operations often involve "huge numbers" of agents in military gear and questioned the effect on community trust in local law enforcement. Several speakers said they had distributed "know your rights" cards to thousands of residents and reported rising fear and distrust.

Sheriff Lyons addressed the court and said the county27s agreement is limited in scope and was signed earlier this year. "The actual contract was signed back in April," he said, describing the model as a jail-based program that trains jail staff to identify ICE warrants and notify detainees. "It's not us going out and tracking people down solely for the purpose of ICE business," Lyons said, adding the program equips jailers to inform individuals if a detainer or ICE warrant exists and to coordinate transport to an ICE facility when appropriate.

Lyons said the county could apply for state grant funding tied to the program, noting an estimated award "somewhere around $80,000" that could offset costs for overtime, comp time or equipment, including fingerprint identification technology.

Supporters in public comment urged commissioners to move quickly to secure the funding. "This will more than pay for the program," Bob Price said, urging fast action so Polk County could access state funds opened by the comptroller.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the resolution, a second was offered, and the court approved the measure by voice vote.

The resolution, according to court materials, limits local participation to the scope of authority provided under the 287(g) program and Polk County Sheriff27s Office operations. The court did not specify any changes to patrol activities; Sheriff Lyons repeatedly characterized the program as administrative assistance within the jail.

Next steps identified by the court include authorizing the county judge to sign documents needed to pursue grant funding and to formalize the county27s participation. The court did not set a later review date for the program during the meeting.