Hawk Point Man Charged After Traffic Stop Leads to 287(g) Immigration Arrest

TROY, Mo. — A traffic stop in Lincoln County on Sunday led to a Hawk Point man being arrested on misdemeanor charges while also providing an early public look at how the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is utilizing its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287(g) program.

Edgar Galeano-Laverde, of Hawk Point

Edgar Galeano-Laverde, of Hawk Point, is charged with resisting/interfering with arrest, fourth-degree assault of a special victim and failing to signal following a traffic stop in Lincoln County. He is being held on a $5,000 cash-only bond with a no-contact order involving the victim. An ICE detainer has also been placed on him. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6 before Associate Circuit Judge Rebecca A. Richardson.

Charges

• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Detention or Stop (Class A Misdemeanor)

• Assault in the Fourth Degree – Special Victim (Class A Misdemeanor)

• Failed to Signal / Improper Signal (Class C Misdemeanor)

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What began as a traffic stop for an alleged turn signal violation quickly developed into an immigration investigation after deputies stopped a 2021 Toyota Corolla near Highway J and Sunrise Acres Court shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday.

During the stop, deputies identified the driver as Galeano-Laverde. Because the deputy conducting the stop was certified through the federal 287(g) program, the encounter expanded into an immigration-related investigation. The 287(g) program allows specially trained local deputies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions while working alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Galeano-Laverde provided a Missouri limited-term driver's license and valid insurance card while speaking limited English. Deputies asked him in both English and Spanish whether he was legally in the United States and advised him that an Axon body-worn camera could translate the conversation. Galeano-Laverde invoked his Fifth Amendment rights and declined to answer questions regarding his immigration status.

Deputies instructed Galeano-Laverde several times to exit the vehicle, but he allegedly refused to comply. As deputies attempted to remove him from the driver's seat, he allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, reached toward the driver's door and actively resisted by pulling away. Deputies attempted to place him in handcuffs, but he allegedly continued resisting, forcing deputies to take him to the ground before he was taken into custody.

An ICE deportation officer assisting during the investigation suffered minor injuries to a hand, wrist and arm during the struggle. The officer was evaluated by the Lincoln County Ambulance District at the scene before declining additional medical treatment.

During the investigation, ICE records indicated Galeano-Laverde had not been legally admitted into the United States and was currently involved in federal removal proceedings. An ICE detainer was subsequently obtained.

While the criminal case centers on the alleged resisting arrest, assault and traffic offenses, it also provides an early public look at how the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office's 287(g) program is being used locally.

Lincoln CountyWatch spoke with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office following the arrest. Officials said Lincoln County began participating in the federal 287(g) program in April 2026 and currently has 20 deputies certified, with that number expected to increase to 23 in the near future.

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The Sheriff's Office said deputies assigned to the program maintain discretion when handling immigration-related encounters and are not required to contact ICE in every case. Officials estimated that for every person ultimately referred through the program, approximately five other encounters end without an ICE referral.

Officials also said the county has begun receiving federal reimbursement through its participation in the program, although financial figures were not immediately available.

Galeano-Laverde remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail pending further court proceedings.

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Primary Sources

• Court records

• Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

• Case.net