JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi State Sen. Michael McLendon (R-Hernando) on Tuesday introduced Senate Bill 2329, a proposal he says will strengthen public safety by expanding the state’s partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and easing the financial strain illegal immigration places on local governments.
The legislation, titled the Mississippi Glacier (ICE) Act, would create a new state grant program to reimburse law enforcement agencies that participate in ICE’s federal 287(g) program. Those agreements allow trained local officers to assist ICE with immigration enforcement through task force operations, jail screenings, and warrant service models.
McLendon said the bill is designed to support agencies willing to take on those responsibilities.
“Mississippi is not going to pretend illegal immigration is someone else’s problem,” he said. “If you are here illegally, we are going to work with ICE to detain you and send you back to the country you came from, which more often than not is a far greater punishment than jail.”
Under SB 2329, only agencies with a formal 287(g) agreement would qualify for funding. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety would award grants on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Eligible expenses include detention bed space, equipment, training, travel, and lodging tied directly to federal immigration enforcement.
The bill also establishes a special nonlapsing fund within the State Treasury to ensure long‑term support for participating agencies.
McLendon said the measure responds to the growing costs counties face when housing individuals in the country illegally.
“Housing illegal immigrants is costly,” he said. “This bill will help alleviate that burden on sheriffs and county governments so that money can be used to hire more deputies, buy more equipment or improve infrastructure.”
Currently, the federal 287(g) program allows state and local agencies to assist ICE through task force, jail, and warrant service models. SB 2329 is designed to expand Mississippi’s participation in all three, effectively creating a statewide force multiplier for ICE.
The Mississippi Glacier (ICE) Act would take effect July 1 if passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
