CCSO enters into ICE 287(g) Warrant Service Officer Agreement

Clearwater County Sheriff's Office has entered into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) Warrant Service Officer Agreement.

Sheriff John Smith released the following Thursday afternoon:

"Over the past several months, I have researched the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program and carefully evaluated how participation could benefit Clearwater County.

"This decision was not reactionary. It is the result of deliberate and responsible planning focused on one mission: protecting the people of Clearwater County.

"On August 24, 2026, I signed the ICE 287(g) Memorandum of Agreement under the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) Model. We have selected personnel to participate in the program and have completed the required training and implementation process.

"I want to be clear about what this agreement means for Clearwater County.

"Under the WSO Model, designated personnel receive federal training and authorization to perform specific immigration-related duties within the scope of the agreement, particularly in connection with individuals already in our custody who are subject to qualifying immigration warrants.

"This is not a program designed to turn our deputies into federal immigration agents. Our primary responsibility remains for the safety and security of the people of Clearwater County.

"Our office will continue to focus our law-enforcement resources on individuals who commit serious crimes in our community, including violent offenses, felony drug offenses, and repeat criminal conduct. When individuals already in our custody are also subject to qualifying federal immigration warrants, this partnership provides our office with an additional lawful mechanism to coordinate with our federal partners.

"The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office has worked closely with federal law enforcement agencies for years. These partnerships have strengthened our ability to investigate criminal activity, share information, and protect our communities. The 287(g) agreement builds upon that existing cooperation.

"As Sheriff, I will use every lawful tool available to my office to protect the citizens of Clearwater County. Our responsibility is to enforce the law, maintain public safety, and work with our state and federal partners when doing so serves the interests of our community. I take that responsibility seriously.

"This agreement represents a proactive step in that effort," Smith concluded.

Photo: Clearwater County Sheriff John Smith (Photo courtesy of Clearwater County)