July 2, 2013 2:18 pm
By Potomac Local News


(File) Prince William At-large Chairman Corey Stewart announces his bid for Virginia Lt. Governor with his wife, Maria, at his side.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A special agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Prince William County will continue.

The 287 (g) program pairs select members of local law enforcement with federal immigration officials who train them on inquiring about processing the legal statuses of suspected criminals arrested in Prince William County. That program, which was in jeopardy last fall, will continue for the next three years, according to a press release from Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart.

Stewart, who built his political career on taking a tough stance against illegal immigration, has been one of the staunchest supporters of the program.

“I am very pleased that ICE decided to renew their agreement with the county. This program has made our county a safer and more desirable place to live. The positive results of this program have been undeniable,” said Stewart in his release.

The the 287 (g) program’s future in Prince William County was questioned last fall when federal officials announced they were moving away from the program, an extension of the 287 (g) was permitted for Prince William County at the request of local officials.

After a suspect is arrested, their immigration status is checked while at the county’s courthouse. If the suspect is found to be in the U.S. illegally, they are turned over to ICE.

http://potomaclocal.com/2013/07/02/i...rince-william/