A Texas Cop Signed on to Help ICE Deport His Neighbors. It Tore the Town Apart.

Reporting Highlights

The Shadow Surge: In January 2025, President Donald Trump revived a troubled ICE program that deputizes cops as deportation officers. Over 29,000 local officers nationwide have enlisted.

After the Flood: Ingram, Texas, was rebuilding from a historic flood when its Police Department signed on with ICE. Within a year, cops would hand over the equivalent of 10% of the town.

Cop on the Ground: The local face of the national immigration crackdown became Officer Jaron Alexander. After suggesting ICE’s program to his chief, he grapples daily with the consequences.

https://www.propublica.org/article/deportations-ingram-texas-287g-jaron-alexander