Travel Alert: Rising Immigration Enforcement in Red States and Its Impact on Travelers in the U.S.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reports that the 287(g) program has expanded into dangerous new territory. Originally authorized by Congress in 1996 to delegate certain federal immigration responsibilities to trained local officers, the program has been exploited by recent administrations—particularly under Trump—to become a far-reaching and often unchecked enforcement tool. As reported on June 30, 2025, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) included 287(g) agreements in 40 states that included 737 state or local law enforcement agencies. Just months later, in September 2025, this increased to 1,000, and to 1,313 in January 2026, participating state and local agencies (Shah, 2025). Studies and reports show that ICE's 287(g) partnerships, which enable local police to enforce federal immigration laws, tend to increase fear and distrust among immigrant communities. As Shah (2025) notes, this shift has transformed the program into a "larger, cannibalizing force," with implications still unfolding. Baptite (2026) reports how blue states are trying their best to establish protections, while red states, state and local authorities are complying with ICE, resulting in dangerously quiet arrests and those being detained and deported. 

What Travelers Need to Know
As Americans prepare for business trips, school visits, or leisure travel, recent developments warrant caution. States like Florida, West Virginia, Texas, and Tennessee are increasing cooperation with ICE through 287(g), allowing local law enforcement to conduct immigration checks and detentions—often with minimal training and oversight.
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For example, Texas law enforcement agencies have agreements with ICE, enabling local officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement. Reports indicate ICE is actively making arrests at airports, with TSA sharing passenger data to identify individuals for deportation. The Texas Governor has directed state troopers to support federal immigration efforts, leading to heightened enforcement across the state.

 Why This Matters for Travelers
Recent incidents highlight the risks of increased enforcement:

• Aggressive Actions: ​Between January 2025 and early February 2026 marked one of the deadliest years in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in decades. 
  • In 2026 (Jan 1–Feb 1): Reports indicate that at least 6 to 8 people have been killed by federal agents or have died while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention (Hellmann, 2026).
  • In 2025, at least 32 people died in ICE detention, marking the highest number of deaths since 2004 (Shah, 2025).
• Untrained Officers: Many law enforcement personnel involved, and wartime tactics, in these operations have limited training, increasing risks of legal errors, wrongful detention, or violence (Munis, 2026).
• Community Impact: Such enforcement creates a climate of fear, discouraging access to essential services like healthcare, shelters, and education—especially during emergencies.

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Impact on Conferences and Events
The political and security environment in 2026 is evolving rapidly. Reports reveal that ICE is ramping up surveillance, raids, and enforcement actions—sometimes targeting citizens and legal residents alike.

Is Travel to Red States More Risky?

• Enhanced Surveillance: ICE is increasing social media monitoring and surveillance around public events, raising concerns about interference or detentions during gatherings.
• Safety Risks: There are reports of U.S. citizens being detained or killed during enforcement operations. Civil rights organizations warn that large in-person events could become targets, posing safety risks for attendees.
• Preparedness: Many organizations are emphasizing "Know Your Rights" training and security awareness to mitigate risks.

Are Conferences Moving Online?
While some organizations have considered entirely virtual formats, many continue to hold in-person or hybrid events. The decision often depends on:

• Flexibility and Inclusion: Hybrid models accommodate those reluctant or unable to travel due to safety concerns.
• Post-Pandemic Trends: Cost, accessibility, and convenience remain priorities.
• Security Measures: Enhanced protocols and virtual options help protect attendees.

Should You Travel to Red States?
While risks are elevated, they vary based on location, event size, and safety measures. Consider:

• Staying informed about local enforcement activities (Immigration Enforcement Could Come to Your Town. Here’s What You Can Do to Prepare. - American Immigration Council, 2026)
• Participating virtually when possible.
• Carrying necessary identification, but avoiding interactions with law enforcement unless absolutely necessary.
• Knowing your rights and remaining calm if approached.

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What Citizens Can Do?
Given the serious concerns around civil liberties and human rights, citizens are encouraged to take action:

• Contact Your Representatives: Urge Congress to scrutinize and oppose policies that infringe on civil liberties and human rights.
• Support Civil Rights Organizations: Volunteer or donate to groups defending immigrant rights and civil liberties.
• Raise Awareness: Share information about enforcement risks through social media, community discussions, and public forums.
• Advocate for Policy Reform: Push for legislation limiting excessive surveillance and ensuring due process.

Your vigilance and advocacy can help hold authorities accountable and promote a safer, fairer environment for all Americans.

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References

• Arellano, G. (2026, January 11). Commentary: Citizens are finally getting it: No one’s safe from Trump’s deportation ambitions - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-11/citizens-arent-safe-from-ice-border-patrol
• ​Baptite, N. (2026, February 6). Red States aren’t just going along with Trump’s deportation agenda. they’re making it easier. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com 
• Hellmann, M. (2026, January 28). Eight people have died in dealings with ICE so far in 2026. These are their stories. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/deaths-ice-2026-  
• Immigration enforcement could come to your town. Here’s what you can do to prepare. - American Immigration Council. (2026, February 5). American Immigration Council. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/what-to-do-if-ice-immigration-enforcement-comes-to-town/
• Munis, J. (2026, January 10). Former ICE director warns “wartime recruitment” tactics like influencer campaigns and $50,000 bonuses could attract the wrong kind of agents | Fortune. Fortune. https://fortune.com/2026/01/08/former-ice-director-wartime-recruitment-bonus-officer-training-pay/ 
  
• ​​Shah, N. (2025, September 11). How Expanded 287(g) Program Turns Local Police Into Deportation Agents | ACLU. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/how-expanded-287g-program-turns-local-police-into-deportation-agents