Residents want local governments to end contracts that let ICE train on their gun ranges - AP News
AP News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Residents across the U.S. are calling on local governments to terminate contracts that allow ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to train agents at local gun ranges. These agreements have sparked concerns among community members about privacy, immigration enforcement, and the potential misuse of public facilities for surveillance or targeting undocumented individuals.
The issue has gained attention as residents express worries that these training sessions could lead to increased monitoring of communities or escalation in ICE operations. Critics argue that such partnerships blur the lines between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Local governments have long-standing agreements with ICE, often renewing contracts for tactical training on public gun ranges. These deals enable ICE agents to practice surveillance techniques, use-of-force scenarios, and other operations that could potentially impact immigrant communities. Advocates argue that these partnerships undermine trust in local law enforcement and infringe on the privacy of residents.
The controversy highlights broader debates about the role of ICE in local communities and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. Opponents of these contracts emphasize the need for clearer boundaries between federal immigration enforcement and local police, as well as greater oversight to ensure that taxpayer-funded facilities are not used for activities that violate community trust or privacy.
This issue matters because it touches on critical concerns about transparency, accountability, and the relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities. As tensions rise over ICE operations, residents are demanding more control over how their local resources are utilized and a clearer separation between federal immigration policies and local law enforcement practices.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/25/2026