Thread: S.C. DPS chief: New 287g immigration unit awaits federal OK

DPS chief: New immigration unit awaits federal OK

Aug 2, 2011 4:20pm

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The head of South Carolina's public safety agency says a new state police unit that legislators created to enforce immigration law may be more than a year away.

Interim Department of Public Safety director Col. F. K. Lancaster Jr. told The Associated Press that the agency is waiting to hear from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about undergoing its four-week 287g training. He says an answer might take 18 months. The program effectively deputizes local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.

Legislators gave his agency $1.3 million this fiscal year to set up the 10-officer unit. Its creation is required under the state's latest anti-illegal immigration law, signed by Gov. Nikki Haley in June.

Republican Sen. Larry Martin said Tuesday that waiting on the federal government is unacceptable.

http://www.necn.com/08/02/11/DPS-chief- ... 388e89420b

Don't hold your breath!

Not many communities applying for participation in the 287g program lately, from what I can find.

I.C.E. 287g - Recent News

7/23/2010 Charleston, SC 26 law enforcement officers trained by ICE to enforce immigration law

5/12/2010 Charleston, SC 32 local and state law enforcement officers complete ICE immigration enforcement training

4/8/2010 Charleston, SC 6 Charleston County Sheriff's deputies graduate following ICE 287(g) training

10/16/2009 Washington, DC ICE announces standardized 287(g) agreements with 67 state and local law enforcement partners

7/10/2009 Washington, DC Secretary Napolitano announces new agreement for state and local immigration enforcement partnerships and adds 11 new agreements

http://www.ice.gov/287g/