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Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently signed an agreement with ICE, allowing local law enforcement in certain counties to collaborate with federal agents to track and detain illegal immigrants.
A limited number of Wyoming Highway Patrol members in five counties, which cover major interstates, will be able to assist ICE with enforcement activities as part of their regular duties and under the supervision of the federal law enforcement agency, as stated by Gordon’s office.
The agreement represents just the second such partnership established directly between a state and ICE.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was the first to sign a similar “memorandum of agreement,” while various counties across the nation have also approved forms of cooperation with ICE.
“Wyoming is dedicated to enhancing border security, and this agreement is a step in that direction,” Gordon stated.
“Our nation’s security relies on effective immigration enforcement, and I am pleased that our Wyoming Highway Patrol is continuing to support this effort by formalizing their commitment through our agreement with ICE.”
Under ICE oversight, the Wyoming Highway Patrol will be able to take action against individuals who violate federal immigration laws. A January executive order from President Donald Trump authorizes Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to establish such agreements with state and local authorities.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Administrator Col. Tim Cameron noted Wyoming’s strategic position in hosting several cross-country highways.
“Our troopers are uniquely positioned to support immigration enforcement through our daily operations along Wyoming’s interstates – key routes for cross-country travel that are sometimes exploited for illegal activities,” Cameron explained.
The nation’s longest interstate, Boston-Seattle I-90, traverses 200 miles through the upper corner of the state, while New Jersey-San Francisco I-80 spans 400 miles across the southern region of Wyoming. Additionally, I-25 runs from near the southern border in New Mexico to I-90 in Buffalo.
The selected troopers will be from Laramie County, Carbon County, Sweetwater County, Campbell County, and Natrona County.
“This agreement enhances our ability to identify individuals in violation of federal immigration law and take appropriate action under ICE’s direction,” Cameron added.
“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.”
Wyoming taxpayers will not incur any additional costs for the collaboration, as officers will receive free training from federal authorities.
Robert Guadian, a senior official at ICE’s Denver Field office, commended Gordon for the agreement, describing it as a “force multiplier” in immigration enforcement operations.
Wyoming had previously deployed troopers to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety at the southern border during the peak of the Biden administration’s open border crisis.
