The City of Keller is considering becoming the first city in Tarrant County — and the largest in Texas — to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) Program, a federal initiative that enables local law enforcement to assist in identifying and deporting criminal illegal aliens.
Mayor Armin Mizani announced the proposal on X, stating that “public safety is non-negotiable.”
“At our upcoming meeting, the City Council intends to become the 1st city in Tarrant County and the largest city in Texas to enter a memorandum of understanding and formally partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program under the Jail Enforcement Model,” the city stated in a press release.
The 287(g) Program allows ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers to work alongside state and local law enforcement to identify and remove illegal aliens who have been arrested for criminal activity.
Mayor Mizani told The Dallas Express the partnership is focused on public safety, not politics.
“Law enforcement professionals need our support and collaboration now more than ever,” he said.
“As mayor, my top priority is the safety of our residents. Supporting ICE at every level—federal, state, county, and local—means we’re doing everything we can to keep dangerous individuals off our streets. When law enforcement agencies work together, we close the gaps that allow violent offenders, drug traffickers, and repeat criminals to go unnoticed. This isn’t about politics—it’s about unapologetically protecting families, enforcing the law, and making sure our communities remain safe and secure.”
ICE officers have come under increasing attack in recent months amid a rise in violent resistance from far-left anti-enforcement activists.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Department of Homeland Security said assaults on ICE officers have increased 830% since President Donald Trump returned to office.