Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas National Guard has applied for federal authority to conduct immigration arrests under the 287(g) Task Force Model, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data. The application, listed as “pending” as of August 14, 2025, would allow trained Guard members to stop, question, and arrest individuals based on suspected immigration violations during routine duties, a role typically reserved for federal agents.
The 287(g) Task Force Model, revived by the Trump administration in January 2025 after being suspended under President Obama, serves as a “force multiplier” for ICE, enabling state and local agencies to enforce limited immigration authority under federal oversight. If approved, the Arkansas National Guard’s participation would mark a significant expansion of its role, as Guard members traditionally do not perform law enforcement functions. ICE has not disclosed when the application was submitted or when a decision is expected.
This move follows the Arkansas Legislature’s passage of the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act (Act 426 of 2025), which mandates the Arkansas State Police, Department of Corrections, and county sheriffs’ departments to apply for 287(g) Warrant Service Officer authority to serve immigration warrants in jails. The Guard, not included in the act, opted to pursue the broader Task Force Model, joining agencies like the Arkansas State Police and Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, which signed agreements in July 2025. Statewide, 11 jurisdictions have secured 287(g) authority this year, with over 1,500 immigration-related arrests reported in Arkansas in 2025, per DeportationData.org.
The American Immigration Council has criticized the Task Force Model for its “track record of racial profiling and harm,” raising concerns about its impact on communities, including in Independence County, where Batesville residents are closely monitoring developments. Critics argue the model could strain community trust, particularly among immigrant populations, while supporters, including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, emphasize its role in enhancing public safety.
For more information, contact the Arkansas National Guard at (501) 212-5000 or visit www.ice.gov for 287(g) program details.
