With a looming deadline, Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that would compel law enforcement agencies to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security for immigration law enforcement—a familiar tactic in the state’s political landscape.
Republican legislators advocate for increased jurisdictional involvement in immigration enforcement, citing existing federal programs such as the 287g initiative and Secure Communities, both administered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A key provision of House Bill 1105 (HB1105) proposes the deputization of local officers by ICE to identify, detain, and process noncitizens for deportation. Currently, six jurisdictions in Georgia have agreements similar to this, with two counties previously participating in and subsequently withdrawing from the 287g program.
One such jurisdiction is Oconee County, whose Sheriff’s Department forged an agreement with ICE in 2019. Sheriff James Hale Jr. elaborated on their involvement, highlighting the presence of certified peace officers trained by immigration services and credentialed as warrant service officers to execute detention warrants.
Under the 287g framework, Oconee County operates a Warrant Service Officer Program wherein arrested individuals have their fingerprints cross-checked against state and federal databases. Upon identification of an arrested noncitizen, ICE issues an immigration detainer to the sheriff’s office.
Immigration detainers are issued by ICE for noncitizens detained on criminal charges, indicating potential deportation grounds. Following release from local detention, individuals are transferred to immigration custody for evaluation regarding deportation eligibility.
Sheriff Hale emphasized their approach, asserting that their actions prioritize public safety rather than indiscriminately targeting undocumented individuals solely for deportation purposes.
In contrast, both Cobb and Gwinnett Counties initially participated in the 287g programs but discontinued their involvement following advocacy efforts for immigrant rights and the election of Democratic sheriffs, coupled with shifting demographic compositions within their communities.
Critics argue that such partnerships disproportionately impact nonwhite populations, compelling them to demonstrate legal status when interacting with law enforcement.
In Cobb County, authorities aim to foster an environment where all residents feel comfortable reporting crimes or seeking police assistance, regardless of their immigration status. Carlos Garcia, serving as the sheriff’s Latino liaison, underscored the importance of community cohesion in promoting safety during a press conference in Marietta.
The legislation awaits final approval from the House before advancing to the governor for consideration.