Niagara County now only holds immigration detainees with local criminal ties or legal warrants, effective Jan. 14, 2026.

Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti has limited cooperation with ICE, now only holding immigration detainees with a verified local criminal connection, judicial warrant, or court order. The policy change, effective January 14, 2026, follows community advocacy and concerns over detaining non-citizens without local ties. The county had previously housed ICE detainees for $1,400 per day. Officials say the shift prioritizes public safety, due process, and trust in law enforcement.