Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) have announced an expanded partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to train all 1,100 sworn officers under DPS through the 287(g) Program. This initiative aims to improve the identification and apprehension of illegal aliens who pose a public safety risk in Georgia.

The 287(g) Program, authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, allows ICE to delegate specific immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officers under its supervision. Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "If you are in our country illegally and committing crimes, you have no place in Georgia," he stated.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is already involved in the program through the Jail Enforcement Model, having renewed agreements with ICE in 2019 and 2020. Recently, ICE requested two additional corrections officers from GDC for deportation efforts under this agreement. Currently, GDC incarcerates approximately 1,730 criminals on ICE detainers.

Colonel Billy Hitchens submitted a Memorandum of Agreement request to participate in the Task Force Model within the ICE 287(g) program. "We take the safety of Georgians and travelers to this state very seriously," said Colonel Hitchens. He highlighted that this training enhances interagency communication and helps identify individuals posing threats who are not legally present in the country.

The program provides law enforcement with education from ICE and facilitates communication about individuals encountered during duties. Training costs are covered by ICE, enhancing officers' capabilities during traffic stops, crash investigations, and commercial vehicle inspections statewide.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety oversees operations including the Georgia State Patrol, Capitol Police, and Motor Carrier Compliance Division. These divisions enforce traffic laws, prevent criminal acts on Capitol Hill, and inspect commercial vehicles for safety compliance.

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act added Section 287(g) to authorize ICE's collaboration with state and local agencies for removing criminal aliens before their release into communities.