In a move that is sparking both praise and criticism, multiple Kansas sheriff’s offices have signed agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in deportation efforts. The Cowley, Finney, Jackson, and Reno County Sheriff’s Offices, along with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), have formally partnered with ICE under the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) and Task Force Officer (TFM) programs.
What These Agreements Mean
The WSO agreements grant local deputies the authority to serve administrative ICE warrants, which are civil in nature and do not require judicial approval. This means that sheriff’s deputies in participating counties can detain individuals on immigration-related violations until federal agents arrive to take them into custody.
The KBI’s involvement under the TFM agreement goes a step further, integrating state law enforcement officers into ICE’s operational framework. This enables KBI agents to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement and investigative work at a broader level.
Sheriffs’ Justifications and Public Reactions
Local law enforcement leaders argue that these agreements provide an additional tool for removing undocumented individuals who have committed crimes. Supporters claim that partnering with ICE ensures that individuals posing safety risks are swiftly processed for deportation, preventing their return to Kansas communities.
However, critics see these agreements as a step toward increased racial profiling and fear-based policing. Immigration advocacy groups warn that deputizing local law enforcement for immigration duties can erode community trust, making immigrants—regardless of status—less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police investigations.
Who Are the Sheriffs?
The Kansas sheriffs signing onto these agreements are:
- Cowley County Sheriff David A. Falletti – A long-time law enforcement officer who has served in various capacities within Kansas law enforcement, including accreditation oversight. David Falletti • Cowley County Sheriff, Mailing Address: PO Box 47, Winfield, KS 67156, Sheriff’s Office: (620) 221-5444, Fax: 620-221-5448
- Finney County Sheriff Steven Martinez – Known for his public engagement and discussions on staffing challenges in law enforcement. Steve Martinez • Finney County Sheriff, 304 North 9th, Garden City • KS 67846, Phone: 620-272-3700, Fax: 620-272-3777
- Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse – Has served multiple terms and maintains a firm stance on law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies. Tim Morse • Jackson County Sheriff, 210 U.S. Highway 75, Holton • KS 66436, Phone: 785-364-2251, Fax: 785-364-4820
- Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell – Leads one of Kansas’ more prominent sheriff’s offices, overseeing a large number of deputies and jail operations. Darrian Campbell • Reno County Sheriff, 210 West First, Hutchinson • KS 67501, Phone: 620-694-2735, Fax: 620-694-2702
- KBI Director Tony Mattivi – A former federal prosecutor who has pushed for stronger state-federal law enforcement collaboration.
What’s Next?
As these agreements take effect, communities in these Kansas counties will be watching closely to see how these partnerships impact both law enforcement operations and immigrant communities. The debate over local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement is unlikely to subside, and the sheriffs at the center of these agreements may face increasing scrutiny as implementation unfolds.
For now, one thing is clear—Kansas is becoming a key battleground in the national debate over immigration enforcement, and these sheriffs have firmly positioned themselves on the front lines.
