LVMPD Defends Controversial 287(g) Immigration Program Amid Growing Criticism

LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is standing firm on its partnership with federal immigration authorities, even as local advocates and civil rights groups intensify their calls to dismantle the program.

At the center of the debate is Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a federal initiative that allows local law enforcement officers at the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC) to perform certain functions of federal immigration agents. Specifically, trained Metro officers can identify and process undocumented individuals who have been arrested on separate criminal charges.

Enhancing Public Safety

LVMPD officials argue that the program is a vital tool for keeping “dangerous criminals” off the streets. Capt. Nichole Splinter recently defended the partnership, stating that 287(g) ensures individuals with significant criminal histories are transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody rather than being released back into the Southern Nevada community.

Metro rejoined the program in June 2025 after a six-year hiatus. Sheriff Kevin McMahill has previously maintained that the agreement is strictly about public safety and is not used for “dragnet-style” enforcement or street-level immigration checks.

The Trust Gap

Critics, however, argue that the line between local policing and federal enforcement has become dangerously blurred. Juliana Gonzalez, an immigrant rights advocate, contends that the program “erodes trust between immigrant communities and the police,” making victims of domestic violence or other crimes hesitant to come forward for fear of deportation.

The ACLU of Nevada also recently challenged the legality of the partnership in court. While a judge tossed the lawsuit on technical grounds in March 2026, the organization has vowed to continue its fight, citing instances where individuals were allegedly detained longer than legally permitted to facilitate ICE transfers.

What’s Next

The future of the 287(g) agreement in Clark County remains a hot-button political issue. The Clark County Commission is expected to review the program later this year as local progressive leaders, including Assemblywoman Selena Torres-Fossett, push for state-level legislation to block such collaborations in the 2027 session.

Source: National Today / The Nevada Independent