From Cooperation to Conflict: ICE and Bristol County History

Not long ago, Bristol County, Massachusetts set an example for cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. That cooperative relationship worked well to prevent the drama and chaos currently playing out on the streets of Minneapolis and elsewhere.

Politicians and political ideologies destroyed that cooperative relationship, leading to violence and even death.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reported a surge in threats and violence against its agents, with an 8,000 percent increase in death threats and assaults on agents, up by more than 1,300 percent.

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Former Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson, a Republican, is a vocal proponent of immigration enforcement. As Sheriff, Hodgson established a close working relationship with ICE.

When congressional Democrats rallied to block funding for a border wall, Hodgson offered inmate labor to get the job done.

What Was the 287(g) Agreement?

Hodgson signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the first Trump Administration. This cooperative agreement allowed Hodgson to notify federal immigration officials when a criminal illegal alien was to be released.

How the Agreement Worked in Practice

This allowed federal agents to take custody of the offender in prison, rather than having to hunt the criminal down in the community, which is the case currently in sanctuary communities such as Minneapolis, leading to violent confrontations between law enforcement and protestors.

Political Forces Behind the Termination

In 2021, the Biden Administration opened the border, flooding states with immigrants, many of whom had prior criminal records, and others who committed crimes after arriving. Then-Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey conspired with Biden's Homeland Security team to strip Bristol County of its 287(g) agreement.

Consequences for Local and Federal Enforcement

This meant that the Bristol County House of Corrections could no longer notify ICE when dangerous criminals were being released back into the community. As a result, ICE agents must conduct raids and make targeted arrests on the streets, placing the public and their agents at greater risk of violence.

Voices from Supporters and Critics

Politicians such as Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senator Ed Markey and others continue to use inflammatory rhetoric that encourages public conflicts with immigration officials.

Hodgson's 287(g) arrangement with Trump's DHS was designed to prevent what is playing out in Minneapolis from occurring. Too bad politics got in the way.

"It's obviously the thing that should be being done all over the country," Hodgson told me. "If we are going to be as efficient as possible, cost effective, and enhance public safety, we all need to collaborate."

When the migrant crisis exploded in Massachusetts, now-former Sheriff Hodgson placed the blame right at the feet of the Healey Administration.