Thomas County commissioners hear concerns about ICE agreement, select new IT provider

Thomas County commissioners heard public concerns about the Sheriff’s Office’s agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during their Oct. 19 meeting, then selected Anchor as the county’s next information technology provider.

Connie Davis, chair of the Thomas County Democratic Party, read a three-page letter urging the county to end its participation in ICE’s 287(g) program. She said the agreement, which she understood began this spring, had harmed local families and raised concerns in the community. Davis also questioned the financial arrangements, saying she had not been able to obtain payment details from the sheriff.

Davis cited the detention of Samuel Robles at Dillons, which she said occurred in front of his family. She said video shared on social media showed Robles being tased. Sheriff Nickols disputed that account, saying Robles had started a physical confrontation and that a deputy drew, but did not use, a taser.

Nickols said the Sheriff’s Office joined the agreement after receiving a recommendation from the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP), the county’s insurer. He said the department sought federal support and liability protections for work it was already doing, and that the agreement had not changed the office’s operations. He said ICE directs immigration operations and the Sheriff’s Office provides support when asked. He also said many local encounters stemmed from missed court appearances or traffic violations that led to arrests, and denied claims raised during the discussion that deputies had stopped people from going to a hospital or detained a mother at a school.

Commissioners asked how the agreement works, what situations led to arrests and how the arrangement affects residents. Commissioner Brian Flipse asked for a statistical breakdown distinguishing people who are undocumented from those whose work visas or other immigration status may have lapsed. Nickols said immigration law and the visa process are complicated, and described the current work-visa system as a challenge for local businesses. He also said residents should not avoid reporting crimes because of immigration concerns.

According to the Kansas Legislative Research Department, House Bill 2372 allows a sheriff to enter a 287(g) agreement without approval from county commissioners. The law also provides legal representation and, in specified good-faith cases, state coverage of federal civil judgment costs and immunity from state civil liability. Separately, it authorizes county jails to hold a person without criminal charges for transfer to ICE under a facially sufficient detainer request, with requirements for notice and release in certain circumstances. Readers can review ICE’s 287(g) program overview and the Kansas Legislature’s text and status for Senate Substitute for House Bill 2372 for themselves. kslegislature.gov

Nickols said the department was participating in the Task Force Model and training for the Warrant Service Officer Model. ICE describes the Task Force Model as allowing officers to exercise limited immigration authority while performing routine duties. The models carry different roles, so the sheriff’s comments about the county’s participation should be read in that context.

Rohr said the Sheriff’s Office would receive an initial $100,000 payment and $7,500 per quarter for each trained officer. Commissioners indicated they would not oppose the agreement, and declined to take action on the topic.

Anchor selected as county IT provider

After reviewing proposals from six providers, the county chose Anchor to replace Corsica, which has served the county during 2026. An IT committee recommended Anchor, which had previously served the county for multiple years.

Committee member Becker said the review considered industry experience, customer service, local availability, proactive workstation support, 24-hour monitoring and HIPAA compliance. County IT Director David Becker said Anchor’s familiarity with county systems and staff was a factor in his support, citing unanswered questions during the county’s experience with Corsica.

Commissioner Luedke questioned the cost difference between Anchor and Reach, another finalist. Anchor’s bid was $12,648 per month. Committee members said differences in software licenses affected the comparison, and the discussion included an estimated $1,900 monthly difference after those items were considered. Flipse abstained from the decision because of a conflict of interest.

After an initial motion for Anchor and a competing motion for Reach received no second, commissioners recessed to ask additional questions about security and HIPAA compliance. Luedke then moved to select Anchor, with Baughn seconding. Commissioners approved a three-year contract, with the first two years at a flat rate and a 3% increase in the third year. Corsica’s contract ends Dec. 31, and Anchor is expected to take over in January.

The commission approved a support letter for DSNWK and selected Luedke as the county’s KCAMP voting delegate, with Flipse as alternate. Commissioners also approved line-item transfers from the appraiser’s office and the minutes from Sept. 21 and 30.

The Chamber of Commerce notified the county it plans to move its office to the Visitors Center in January 2027. Interviews for the appraiser position are planned for Oct. 30, after the regular month-end meeting. The county had received three applications at the time of the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 11:04 a.m.