Sheriff asks commission to sign MOA with ICE to certify task-force officers; commissioners probe payments and oversight

The St. Francois County Commission considered a memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on behalf of the sheriff’s office that would certify four task force officers (TFOs), provide federal training at no cost and make limited payments for equipment and vehicles.

Sheriff Mike R outlined the MOA, saying ICE provides a 40-hour certification course at no charge and that, under the agreement, the county would receive a one-time $100,000 payment for vehicle purchases after the first confirmed TFO arrest and up to $7,500 quarterly for equipment per trained TFO, with language in the MOA left ambiguous about whether quarterly amounts apply per officer or as a total pool.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about the program’s logistics and safeguards. "They will only utilize that position when they come in contact with an individual suspected of being an illegal immigrant during their normal course of duty," the sheriff said, describing typical triggers such as traffic stops or domestic calls. He said the county plans to designate four corporals — one per patrol shift — as the TFOs so a trained officer would be available daily.

Several commissioners raised concerns that a payment tied to a confirmed arrest could create a problematic incentive. One commissioner said the wording "sounded to me as if we were putting a bounty out there" and asked whether the funds could be diverted from their intended vehicle-only purpose; the sheriff and proponents responded that the MOA restricts the $100,000 for vehicle purchase and that payments would not be received until certification and an actual qualifying arrest.

Other questions focused on costs, detention logistics and housing. The sheriff described coordination with neighboring jurisdictions for transport and identified a nearby facility county staff characterized during discussion as a likely place for ICE holds; commissioners asked whether the county would keep detainees and whether housing federal inmates was part of a separate, longer running evaluation of detention upgrades.

The commission moved and seconded approval of the MOA motion and proceeded after discussion. Commissioners directed staff to seek clarifications from ICE on payment language (whether quarterly equipment funds are per-trained officer or a pooled amount) and to document transportation and detention responsibilities in writing.

The county recorded the motion and accompanying discussion; staff said formal execution of the MOA will follow receipt of required certifications, bank information and any clarifying edits from ICE.