More Missouri law enforcement agencies have joined ICE immigration partnership since April 2025

KMIZ on January 17, 2026

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri law enforcement agencies continue to expand their participation in a federal immigration enforcement partnership more than nine months after the state first moved to align itself with President Donald Trump’s directive to broaden cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A 1996 federal law allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to give state and local law enforcement limited authority to carry out immigration enforcement under ICE supervision, under an additional provision known as Section 287(g).  

ICE operates three models that law enforcement agencies can sign up to take part in: Jail Enforcement Model, Task Force Model and Warrant Service Officer Program. Agencies may participate in more than one model.

Under the Task Force Model, participating officers may identify individuals they believe are not U.S. citizens during routine policing, share information with ICE and, in some cases, carry out immigration-related arrests or serve administrative warrants, but only under ICE supervision.

Under the Jail Enforcement Model, jail staff, not patrol deputies, are trained to identify and process inmates who are in custody on local or state charges and may be subject to removal.

The Warrant Service Officer program allows ICE to train, certify and authorize state and local law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency’s jail.

As of Jan. 16, 2026, there are 39 law enforcement agencies across Missouri that have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, according to federal records. Those agreements include 28 Task Force Model partnerships, seven Warrant Service Officer agreements and four Jail Enforcement Model agreements. Three additional agencies outside mid-Missouri have agreements pending.

In Mid-Missouri, several agencies have joined the program over the past year:

Missouri State Highway Patrol, Task Force Model, signed March 21, 2025

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Task Force Model, signed July 29, 2025

Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, Task Force Model, signed Oct. 17, 2025

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Jail Enforcement Model, signed Aug. 28, 2025

Callaway County Sheriff’s Office, Jail Enforcement Model, signed Dec. 2, 2025

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which operates statewide, has taken one of the most expansive roles under the program. Patrol officials said 53 troopers and officers are now certified under 287(g).

From Sept. 26, 2025-January 2026, MSHP officers obtained ICE detainers on approximately 36 people, according to the agency. Patrol officials said the detainers resulted from officers’ normal enforcement duties rather than targeted immigration operations.

Federal agencies are not required to notify state or local authorities when operating within their jurisdictions, the patrol noted.

County sheriffs have emphasized that participation does not mean conducting immigration sweeps.

Callaway County Sheriff’s Office officials said the department enrolled in the program late last year, but is currently limited to the Jail Enforcement Model and remains in a holding pattern because of delays tied to a federal government shutdown in late 2025.

“At this time, there’s nothing going on except we are in basically a holding pattern as I have not heard from Immigration and Customs Enforcement since November 2025,” the Callaway County Sheriff’s office said in a statement. 

Callaway County Sheriff’s Office officials said their goal is to eventually send a small number of jail employees to ICE training so they can access federal systems to verify immigration status. The sheriff’s office also said it will not actively seek out people who are in the country illegally, but would assist ICE or other federal agencies if requested, “in whatever capacity allowed by law.”

Missouri’s growing participation follows executive orders signed in January 2025 by both President Donald Trump and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, encouraging closer coordination with federal immigration authorities.

Nationwide, ICE reports 1,317 Memorandums of Agreements 287(g) agreements across 40 states. 

Nationwide, ICE reports 1,317 active 287(g) memorandums of agreement across 40 states. Those agreements include 147 Jail Enforcement Model partnerships in 31 states, 448 Warrant Service Officer agreements in 35 states, and 722 Task Force Model agreements spanning 34 states.

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New Parking Lot Solar Canopies Helping Power The SLO County Airport

KEYT on January 17, 2026

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The power of the sun is now helping power up the San Luis Obispo County Airport.

This week, the county-operated facility received a “Permission to Operate” for its brand new 940-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system.

“This is a huge achievement for us,” said Annie Secrest, San Luis Obispo County Airport Sustainability Manager. “The airport has been looking at ways to improve its environmental stewardship, and one of the ways that came to surface was solar, and solar would really be a visual demonstration of our commitment to sustainability.”

The project has been in the works since 2022 and has been installed in the airport’s main parking lot.

Several canopy structures are now in place over many of the lot’s nearly parking stalls, which represents 65% of the airport’s overall total of guest parking.

“What better way to demonstrate than on a hot day like today, where we actually can look at the cars and see that they’re being sheltered from the sun,” said Secrest. “The shaded parking also provides protection from the elements when it is raining here. There’s also nice LED lighting underneath and so the passengers will be able to see really well during those early morning and late nights flights as well.” 

According to the airport, the solar project is a big step forward is helping it achieve several goals, including a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, operational resilience and responsible use of public resources.

“We’ve locked in our price per electricity for every unit that’s coming off the solar system for the next 20 years,” said Secrest. “What that allows us to do is stabilize the electricity rate for 20 years, which helps us budget and helps us figure out where we can spend money and on what services.”

Construction was a two-part process that began last June. Worked finished up right before Thanksgiving and the airport has been waiting to receive its Permission to Operate, which finally arrived this week.

“It takes a long time to figure out what the appropriate sizing is going to be to do forward,” said Secrest. “Projecting on what electricity use we’re going to have in the next several years to make sure we size appropriately, and then going through the iterative process of actually designing, working with the various county departments or external stakeholders or developers or utilities, and so all of those partners came together over the past several years, and so this is a really big moment for us to be able to open the entire parking lot and say it’s open.”

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City of Bend drafts policy to bar federal immigration enforcement at any city-owned facilities

KTVZ on January 17, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend is preparing to enact a policy barring the use of city facilities for federal immigration enforcement, as outlined in state law, saying the goal is to foster a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants and refugees.

“City facilities may not be used for the purpose of investigating, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining or holding individuals for immigration enforcement,” the draft policy states (you can read it in full below).

The Bend City Council is expected to review City Manager Eric King’s proposed policy at next Wednesday’s council meeting.

The policy goes on to note some limitations on what it can do: “The public should be aware that prohibiting use of publicly accessible spaces is beyond the city’s legal authority, and the city cannot control or prohibit federal immigration activities within the city generally.”

But it adds: “The City condemns the indiscriminate and increasingly violent, and likely unlawful, civil immigration enforcement tactics which are occurring across the country and in Oregon. These tactics are causing significant impacts on the health and well-being of the community, including fear and actual harm to families, neighbors, businesses, and the community at large.”

The city says it’s committed to uphold state and federal law while ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all community members. But the policy would prohibit the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals for immigration purposes on city property, aligning with the city’s resolution to be a Welcoming City.

The policy encompasses all city property and extends to all individuals on it, including employees, contractors and visitors. City workers are required to comply with the prohibition and are not to assist in any civil immigration enforcement activities.

City facilities are defined as all real property, land and public facilities owned or managed by the city, including parking lots and structures.

It defines “civil immigration enforcement activities” as investigating, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining or holding individuals for immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, order, or subpoena as described in ORS 181A.823 (1)(c)(A), and includes staging, processing, or establishing or using an operations base for such activities.”

City staff are not authorized to provide access to non-public spaces for purposes ofcivil immigration enforcement, the draft policy says.

“City parking lots that are or may be accessible to the public or entities engaged in civilimmigration enforcement should have clear signage stating the following, or a substantially similar message: “This property is owned or controlled by the City of Bend. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement, including as a Staging Area, Processing Location, or Operations Base.”

In instances where federal agents attempt to access city property, city employees would be instructed to notify the appropriate city department’s leadership, who would coordinate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the policy.

Here’s the draft document provided Friday to KTVZ News:

City of Bend immigration use of facilities policy draftDownload

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Environmental group sues Palm Springs over approval of 9-story hotel

KESQ on January 17, 2026

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An environmental group known as SAFER, Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility, is suing the city of Palm Springs over their approval of the 9-story Nexus Hotel.

The hotel, which would also serve as a condominium near the Palm Springs Convention Center, was approved by the city council in November. Once constructed, it could be the city’s tallest building at nearly 100 feet.

Now, environmentalists say the city council’s approval violated the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, that requires agencies to assess and limit significant environmental harm.

Lawyers representing SAFER allege the city did not review the project through an Environmental Impact Report as mandated under CEQA, and therefore has not considered the development’s full impacts.

“The court should require the project to be stopped and require the city to conduct the proper environmental review, which hopefully will require the city to consider alternatives, to consider mitigation measures that could reduce the impacts of this project,” Richard Drury, who represents SAFER said.

Drury says multiple experts deployed by the group found it could include increased carbon emissions from traffic, the threatening of special protected species on the land and harm air quality from construction.

“They found 13 special status species, so these are protected species who use the site. It will have very significant traffic impacts. In fact, it’s eliminating almost half of the parking for the Palm Springs Convention Center. Those cars have to go somewhere and they’ll spend time circling the area, looking for parking. We also had an air quality engineer review the project and found it will have very significant diesel impacts during construction and from use of backup generators. It could also increase Valley Fever cases,” Drury said.

The suit alleges the city passed the project with a mitigated negative declaration, which applies to projects that will have less than significant environmental impacts.

Now, the group hopes teh suit will force the city to reckon with and mitigate the risks.

“The diesel emissions can be mitigated by requiring the use of modern clean construction equipment, that can lower emissions by nearly 90%. Biological impacts can be mitigated by requiring site surveys, removing protected species, perhaps creating habitat for them off site,” Drury said.

Opponents to the development have also argued it clashes with the aesthetics of Palm Springs and it’s mountain views. Environmentalists say if the height of the building were shorter, it would also lessen environmental impacts.

In 2025, the city defended the project by stating Section 14 zoning rules allow for buildings up to 100 feet on such properties.

Drury says they’re now waiting for the city to set a date for a CEQA settlement conference.

Experts say a lawsuit like this could delay construction for years.

News Channel 3 reached out to the city of Palm Springs and Nexus Development, but have yet to hear back.

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“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs”

KEYT on January 17, 2026

Beth Farnsworth

GOLETA, Calif (KEYT) – A beautiful, festival-worthy film about the Ellwood Bluffs is available for you to watch, from the comfort of home.

Courtesy: City of Goleta

“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” was released to the public this week by the City of Goleta.

The 23-minute film premiered at the Wild and Free Film Festival back in November to a standing-room only crowd. It was a similar scenario on January 7 during a free screening at the Camino Real Cinemas. Turnout was so popular, the link was made available for people to share.

Packed theater / Courtesy: City of Goleta

The film’s premise is a powerful one that chronicles how people throughout the community — and beyond — rallied to save the 200 acres of open space from development with large and small donations and tremendous spirit.

It also addresses Ellwood’s declining Monarch butterfly population at the grove. 

The film was created as part of the Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary as a preserve.

Courtesy: City of Goleta

Click here to watch “Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” short film.

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Construction begins on Pocatello’s Center Street underpass project

KIFI on January 17, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Work is officially underway on the Center Street Underpass Project. This important project marks another step toward improving safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for those traveling through Historic Downtown Pocatello.

Crews with Cannon Builders, along with construction engineering and inspection services provided by Civil Science, are currently installing soldier pile shoring in preparation for temporary shoring along the southwest side of the underpass. This work sets the stage for major improvements ahead.

Pedestrian access will remain available during construction, with the north pedestrian tunnel staying open to ensure continued connectivity through the area.

Once complete, the project will deliver long-term improvements, including repaired abutments, new retaining walls, updated sidewalks, and refreshed fascia and portal features leading to the pedestrian tunnels—enhancing both safety and appearance.

The City of Pocatello appreciates the patience and support of residents and local businesses as this exciting project moves forward. The City will continue to share updates as construction progresses.

For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Pocatello Public Works Department at 208-234-6189 or visit projects.pocatello.gov.

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ABC-7 at 4: Thorn bridge and Mesa East Bound exit set to open

KVIA on January 17, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) – When it comes to saving lives, experts say don’t worry about being a backseat driver. In today’s TxDOT Talk, Lauren Macias Cervantes joins us to talk about National Passenger Safety Week. Also big news is coming West El Paso.

I-10 Widening West

Saturday, January 17 through Saturday, January 24

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)

North- and South Desert between Vinton and Mesa alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on miscellaneous construction work.

I-10 east- and westbound between Vinton and Mesa alternate lane closures

Crews will be sweeping, striping, power washing, and painting barrier on I-10.

Thorn east- and westbound at the intersections of North and South Desert alternate lane closures

Crews will be removing and replacing concrete sidewalks.

24 Hour Closure

Saturday, January 24, 5 a.m. through Sunday, January 25, 5 a.m.

I-10 eastbound between Redd and Mesa closed

Detour: Exit Redd and use South Desert to re-enter I-10 at Mesa ramp.

Crews will be removing barrier, sweeping, striping for opening the new Mesa off-ramp (Ramp 9) and opening I-10 eastbound to its final 3-lane configuration from Redd to Mesa.

Monday, January 26 through Saturday, January 31

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eastbound bypass lanes between Redd and Mesa closed

Detour: Traffic will continue onto South Desert through Thorn intersection and enter I-10 before Mesa.

Crews will be completing construction on an ornamental fence at Thorn.

Safety Lighting on Mesa (SH-20) & Dyer St. (BU-54)

Monday, January 19 through Friday, January 23

7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mesa at Resler west- and eastbound left lane closed

Mesa at Camile west- and eastbound left lane closed

BU-54 Dyer northbound between Edge of Texas and Mesquite Hills shoulder closed

Crews will be working on lighting improvements.

Road Repair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21

Spur 601 eastbound between Global Reach and Constitution left lane closed

Thursday, January 22

Spur 601 westbound between Constitution and Global Reach shoulder closed

Crews will be working on road repair.

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 19 through Friday, January 23

I-10 eastbound between Raynolds and Trowbridge right lane and on-ramp closed at Raynolds, and off-ramp closed at Trowbridge

Monday, January 19

Gateway North at New Mexico/Texas State line right lane closed

Tuesday, January 20

CD lanes westbound between Sunland Park and Resler right lane and left lane on Resler exit closed

Wednesday, January 21

Gateway North at Fred Wilson exit lane closed

Thursday, January 22

Woodrow Beam westbound between Rushing and Girl Scout left lane and on-ramp closed at Rushing

Friday, January 23

Loop 375 east- and westbound between US-54 and Tom Mays Park alternate lane closures

Concrete Repairs

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21

CD lanes (US-54) northbound between Altura and Cassidy right lane closed

Crews will be working on rip rap.

Thursday, January 23

East Missouri between Virginia and Campbell left lane closed

Maintenance

Tuesday, January 19 through Friday, January 23

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ramp N between Loop 375 East and US-54 North closed

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound between Cordova Bridge and US-54 right lane closed

Delta eastbound between Cordova Bridge and Boone right lane closed

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

Loop 375 Widening Project

Saturday, January 17

7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Loop 375 southbound main lanes closure between Pelicano Drive and North Loop Exit Ramp

Continuous 22-hour closure beginning 7 a.m. Sunday January 18th through 5 a.m. Monday January 19

Loop 375 main lanes southbound closure between North Loop Exit Ramp and Padres Exit Ramp.

Crews working on final striping placement.

Saturday, January 17, to Sunday, January 18

Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Loop 375 main lanes southbound alternating left and right lane closures between Bob Hope Drive and Padres Exit Ramp.

Crews working on final striping placement.

Monday, January 19, to Friday, January 23

Daily, 9a.m. to 4 p.m.

Loop 375 main lanes alternating north- and southbound closures between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)

Americas Avenue (frontage road) alternating south-and northbound lane closures between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)

Crews working on installing miscellaneous items and clean-up.

Monday, January 19, to Thursday, January 22

Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Loop 375 southbound main lanes closure between North Loop Exit Ramp and Padres Exit Ramp

Crews working on ride quality operations.

I-10 Landscape & Aesthetic Project

Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23

Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound right lane closure between George Dieter Drive and Lee Trevino Drive

I-10 westbound right lane closure between Lomaland Drive and Yarbrough Drive

Gateway West left lane closure at Zaragoza Road

Crews will be installing lighting and placing steel structures.

Sergeant Major Bridge Reconstruction Project

Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23

Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Purple Heart Highway (Loop 375) southbound full closure at Sargent Major Boulevard

Crews will be setting concrete barrier along southbound Sargeant Major Entrance- and Exit Ramps.

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Columbia enters agreement with company to clean out homeless camps

KMIZ on January 17, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia on Thursday entered an agreement with Utah-based EnviroServe that involves cleaning out homeless camps around the city.

A city spokeswoman wrote in an email that bids were requested because the city will often not have the specialized equipment needed to deal with hazardous materials and other items left behind.

The contract shows that pricing is service-based, with a one-to-five-person crew costing $2,721.05 per hour, a six-to-15-person crew costing $5,973.46 per hour and a crew of 16-30 people costing $10,996.50. Cost is also added for 25% of materials used. Cleanups cannot exceed $50,000.

City spokeswoman Sydney Olsen wrote that there could be the potential of more companies being awarded a contract.

The city spent more than $8,000 on a clearing out homeless encampments in 2023, according to a previous ABC 17 News report.

60-2025 – Contract – CDownload

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20-year-old Riverside woman killed in crash on Fred Waring Drive

KESQ on January 17, 2026

KESQ News Team

Update: 01/17

Riverside County has identified the person killed in a crash in Palm Desert on Friday morning, as 20-year-old Jamie Licht of Riverside.

Original Report: 01/16

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was killed in a traffic collision near a busy intersection in Palm Desert on Friday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 10:22 a.m. to the intersection of Fred Waring Drive and Cook Street. When the first fire engine arrived on scene, crews found one vehicle on its side with major damage, pinned between palm trees.

Paramedics declared one patient deceased at the scene. Authorities confirmed no additional injuries were reported.

The person’s identity was not yet released; and investigators said it was unknown if alcohol and or drugs were a factor in the collision.

The crash caused the intersection to be shut down for several hours as Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies took over the investigation. The closure led to significant traffic delays in the area. Officials also reported power outages affecting a large surrounding area near the crash site.

Investigators said it was unclear what caused the collision.

Officials said updates would be released as more information becomes available.

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Goleta Beach County Park to Partially Close for Emergency Beach Operations

KEYT on January 17, 2026

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the County of Santa Barbara regarding the partial closure of Goleta Beach County Park.

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Due to the recent storms, Santa Barbara County will close parts of Goleta Beach County Park beginning approximately January 26, 2026. An updated schedule with closure information and dates will be updated at the County Parks Department website www.sbparks.org when operational plans are further developed. 

Beach operations are expected to begin the week of January 26th. Work will continue until the storm response is complete and could occur 10 hours a day, seven days a week if necessary. Operations are estimated to continue through March 2026 but may be accelerated or delayed depending on inclement weather.

On Friday, January 9, the County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local emergency in response to the storms that occurred between December 23, 2025, and January 3, 2026.   

The Winter 2026 beach operations involve sediment from the Goleta Slough watersheds only. The flood-control channels surrounding the Santa Barbara Airport, Old Town Goleta, and parts of the Eastern Goleta Valley have accumulated excess sediment due to winter storms. The channels and basins are designed to capture sediment and floodwaters to protect the community; however, the sediment must be removed to regain flood control protection. Goleta Beach is the designated transport site for the sediment to be re-purposed and placed along the shoreline to increase beach width and buffer the Park from wave impacts. 

The County follows environmental regulations to manage and protect wildlife and habitat during these beach operations. In the long term, this sand and cobble placement helps protect the Park from further sediment loss and erosion. The 2023 operation helped build up six more acres of beach to the Park’s western end. With the additional sand, the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department has installed volleyball nets on the beach for the first time since 2013. These operations are conducted through Flood Control District maintenance permits and coordination with state and federal agencies.  

Sediment samples have been collected for processing. Further sediment samples and ocean water samples will be tested during operations. Weekly reports with information on sampling results are sent to regulatory agencies and will be posted at www.countyofsb.org/emergencybeachops

All Park visitors and members of the public traveling along the Obern Trail should practice safety and yield to trucks and other heavy equipment in the area. 

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