The Georgia Department of Corrections has signed paperwork that renews the 287(g) program, a program enacted by Congress in 1996 that allows state law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced in a press statement Tuesday that the state signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to continue the program in Georgia.
"As organized crime continues to threaten the safety of our citizens, this partnership will allow Georgia Correctional Officers to continue to identify and assist in the deportation of cartel members who are using our state as a distribution hub for drugs and weapons," Kemp said. "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Trump Administration and our law enforcement community to enforce the rule of law and keep families safe."
The 287(g) program enables Georgia Department of Corrections officers to be cross-trained as designated immigration officers in a correctional setting and aid ICE in national security, public safety, and border security efforts, where necessary.
Local law enforcement agencies also are eligible to sign agreements with ICE. The Hall County Sheriff's Office and the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office are among the local agencies in Georgia that participate in the 287(g) program.
