The Trump administration is rapidly expanding a federal program called 287(g), which deputizes local police to enforce immigration laws. Former Homeland Security civil rights watchdogs, forced out of their jobs last year, warn this move risks serious civil rights violations across the US. The 287(g) program lets local police arrest, detain, and question immigrants on immigration issues, powers usually reserved for federal agents. This program has grown from less than 200 local agencies in early 2025 to more than 1,400 today. Before they were removed, watchdogs were preparing a congressionally-mandated report highlighting civil rights concerns in some jurisdictions, especially in Florida. However, this report remains unpublished, causing fears it is being suppressed by the administration. Peter Mina, the former deputy officer for Homeland Security’s civil rights office (CRCL), said, "The [CRCL] office doesn’t exist now – at least not in its previous form. How could there be meaningful oversight of the 287(g) program?" He criticized poor training and increased risks of racial profiling. From January to October 2025, 7,000 arrests were made under this program, more than double the 3,000 arrests in 2024. DHS claims the program has led to "tremendous success," citing 40,000 arrests in Florida alone, though it did not clarify this figure. Several former officials warn that with the removal of oversight bodies and watchdogs, civil rights abuses could grow unchecked. An internal advisory board that reviewed 287(g) applications was disbanded shortly after Trump took office again. The administration is also offering financial incentives to local agencies for increasing arrests, described by critics as a "bounty hunter system." This includes payments of $7,500 for equipment per officer and up to $1,000 quarterly per officer based on arrests. Some local leaders are resisting. In Pennsylvania, the Bucks County sheriff ended his agency’s 287(g) partnership, stating the public safety costs outweigh benefits. The Trump administration defends the program, saying it strengthens national safety and welcomes more local agencies to join 287(g) partnerships. Yet, former watchdogs warn of a growing threat to immigrants’ civil rights nationwide.