I have received a lot of calls about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program, and there seems to be a lot of misinformation out there on the topic.

Immigration laws are federal laws, and ordinarily, they may only be enforced by the federal government. The 287(g) program is a partnership initiative which allows state and local law enforcement to enter into a partnership with ICE. This gives local law enforcement delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions. In order to enter into such a partnership with ICE, local law enforcement must undergo special training which teaches the officers how to identify, process, and when appropriate, detain immigration offenders that they encounter during their daily law enforcement activity.

287(g) does not in any way modify current United States immigration policies, but it does extend their reach by increasing the amount of resources available for their enforcement. Currently there are seven North Carolina police agencies participating in the 287(g) program. These agencies are The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, The City of Durham Police Department, The Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department, and The Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

[alert]If you, or someone you know entered the country illegally, you may be at risk for removal/deportation! There are remedies available which may allow you to stay in the country. Contact a competent immigration attorney as soon as possible! [/alert]