CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in the 287(g) program to assist ICE with immigration enforcement while performing their regular duties, according to an announcement from Gov. Mark Gordon.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) gives WHP the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s oversight.

“Wyoming has been firm in our commitment to helping secure the border, and this is another step in that process,” Gordon said. “Our nation’s security depends upon effective immigration enforcement, and I am proud that our Wyoming Highway Patrol continues to support this effort and is now formalizing their commitment to this work through our agreement with ICE.”  

President Donald Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion in January 2025. The EO directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with states to develop agreements under the 287(g) program that authorize state and local law enforcement to perform functions of immigration officers. 

Through the 287(g) program, ICE can delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions, under the direction and oversight of ICE, and pursuant to a signed agreement, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  

“The signing of this agreement and the Wyoming Highway Patrol joining the 287(g) program is a great force multiplier for my ICE officers in Wyoming,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver Field Office Director Robert Guadian.

WHP is utilizing the Task Force model under the 287(g) agreement. The phased rollout of the Task Force model allows WHP officers to access ICE databases to help establish whether individuals are lawfully present and take appropriate detention actions under direction of ICE. Officers will receive free training, and there is no additional cost to the state for participating in the 287(g) program. 

“Our troopers are uniquely positioned to support immigration enforcement through our daily operations along Wyoming’s interstates — key corridors for cross-country travel that are sometimes exploited for unlawful activity. The 287(g) agreement enhances our ability to identify individuals in violation of federal immigration law and take appropriate action under ICE’s direction,” said Col. Tim Cameron, administrator, Wyoming Highway Patrol.