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Are Prosecutors Cooperating With ICE in Orange County? What to Know

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Are Prosecutors Cooperating With ICE in Orange County? What to Know

Summary: This page covers Is Orange County Working With ICE?, Does ICE Need Probable Cause?, Does ICE Work With Law Enforcement?.

In 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department gave more than 220 individuals to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This represented a significant growth from 2022, when just 17 inmates were transferred to ICE. If you are charged with a crime, it’s important to seek out a criminal defense attorney right away. Thanks to Orange County ICE cooperation, your ability to stay in the country may be at risk if you are convicted of a crime.

Is Orange County Working With ICE?

Orange County, through 287(g) agreements and other laws, is working with ICE. In 2024, Orange County screened 663 individuals and transferred 223 of them to ICE custody. Out of this number, 186 were arrested by ICE.

With the recent push by the new administration to expand deportations, Orange County’s cooperation could grow in 2025 and future years. This is a problem for all of Orange County. For instance, the Harbor Institute for Immigrant and Economic Justice estimates that just the immigration transfers that took place in 2024 led to a loss of $2.3 million in labor income from the Orange County economy.

Orange County ICE cooperation happens under a 287(g) memorandum of agreement (MOA). This MOA is between Orange County and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It explicitly allows trained personnel in the sheriff’s department to perform duties for ICE. The following are just a few of the activities that the sheriff’s department is allowed to perform under the 287(g) MOA.

  • Interrogate people about whether they’re allowed to be in the United States legally
  • Carry out processing, such as fingerprinting and interviewing
  • Prepare a Notice to Appear (NTA) application and removal charging documents
  • Transport immigrations
  • Prepare immigration detainers

To carry out these activities, the 287(g) MOA specifically states that the sheriff’s department should nominate some of its employees. Then, these employees can be sent to ICE for training and certification.

When it comes to US immigration in California, there are some limitations placed by state law. Under the 2017 California Values Act (SB 54), state and local governments in California are not allowed to use their resources for federal immigration purposes.

However, some of these policies may not be as stringently enforced in the future, with California’s politicians remaining quiet on immigration matters. More recently, Governor Newsom promised to veto Assembly Bill 15 if it passed. If the bill had been successful, it would have limited the ability of state and local government employees to work with ICE.

Does ICE Need Probable Cause?

Yes, ICE needs probable cause to issue a detainer. Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, arrests can only be made when there is probable cause. Once there is probable cause present, ICE can issue a detainer. Often, this happens after someone has been convicted with one of the following crimes.

  • Drug trafficking
  • Robberies and burglaries
  • Homicide
  • Weapons offenses
  • Kidnapping
  • Human trafficking
  • Sexual assault

Does ICE Work With Law Enforcement?

ICE works with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in many different ways. For example, ICE may issue a request for the agency to send a notification when they release someone. Depending on the circumstances and location, ICE may also ask for law enforcement to detain someone for up to 48 hours. While some areas, like California, place restrictions on what law enforcement officials can do to work with ICE, there is generally some level of cooperation present.

Get Help With Your Criminal Defense

If someone is convicted of a serious or violent offense, California’s SB 54 already allows prosecutors and local governments to cooperate with ICE. Because of Orange County’s ICE cooperation, it is important to be proactive about your legal defense. Being charged with a serious crime can lead to your deportation, which is why you need the best criminal defense attorney possible.

To get help navigating your criminal or immigration case, reach out to our team of talented attorneys today.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

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Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

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Ms. Johnson-Norris has been a ‘guardian angel’ in our case from the first second we spoke. She’s dedicated such intense time and detail into making sure everything is handled perfectly. Our case has not been finished (yet), and we’re just in the initial stages, but we are already extremely confident in her abilities. Our case is extremely sensitive in nature, but Ms. Johnson-Norris has shown compassion, composure, and extensive knowledge, which is always super comforting. I can say with certainty that Ms. Johnson-Norris will handle our legal needs from the beginning to the end. Also, Ms. Johnson-Norris is really easy to get ahold of. She returns phone calls and/or emails very quickly, which is also a very comforting factor, and something I wanted to point out about her.

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Lauren Johnson-Norris was not only responsive, she was compassionate and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. She negotiated with the district attorney and brought the case to a win/win.

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Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my questions. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance.

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Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

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