A Republican state representative plans to file legislation that would require all Kentucky police agencies to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a program that gives local officers some power to enforce federal immigration law.

Rep. TJ Roberts of Burlington filed a bill request ahead of the 2026 legislative session — signaling his intention to file the measure when the General Assembly convenes in January. Under his proposed legislation, local law enforcement departments and the Kentucky State Police would have to participate in ICE's 287(g) task force model program.

Departments that sign onto the task force agreement are then able to enforce "limited immigration authority with ICE oversight" during police officers' routine duties. For example, officers can process peop

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