Detaining illegals simplified through partnership with Henderson
Thursday, 04 December 2008

Local law enforcement and federal authorities will work together in a pilot program to help identify illegal immigrants.By D. Linsey Wisdom
News Editor

The Macon County Sheriff’s office is stepping up its role in immigration enforcement by partnering with Henderson County in an effort to speed the process of identifying illegal aliens.

Henderson County is one of seven in North Carolina participating in the newly formed 287(g) program. As part of the new cooperative effort, Henderson’s sheriff’s office can access federal immigration records. The county will also work with 17 western counties, including Macon, to assist in identifying and even detaining suspected illegals.

“It doesn’t give us any more authority,â€