Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has become the second governor in the country to formally partner with federal immigration authorities, signing an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows state troopers to assist with immigration enforcement.
The agreement, signed last week, authorizes members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol to work alongside ICE agents in locating and detaining illegal immigrants. The deal is part of ICE’s 287(g) program, which enables local officers to act with federal authority under ICE supervision.
“Wyoming has been firm in our commitment to helping secure the border, and this is another step in that process,” Governor Gordon said in a public statement. “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.”
This marks only the second statewide agreement of its kind. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a similar memorandum with ICE earlier. Various counties across the country have also adopted similar agreements with ICE.
Col. Tim Cameron, administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, said the state’s geography makes it a valuable partner in federal enforcement efforts.
“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,” he said.
“This partnership strengthens public safety, expands our access to federal resources and intelligence, and reinforces the strong working relationships we maintain with local law enforcement,” Cameron added.
The move follows a January executive order from President Donald Trump, authorizing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to create agreements with state and local officials.
