Sheriff: No plans for immigration crackdown but considering federalizing deputies


Morris County Sheriff James Gannon speaking at a Morris County Tea Party meeting on Tuesday (Rob Jennings / NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

By Rob Jennings
on March 29, 2017 at 7:50 AM

HANOVER -- Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, who recently urged municipalities in his jurisdiction to reject the sanctuary city label, said Tuesday his department will not have a role in enforcing federal immigration laws.

"At this juncture, unless there's a change in the need -- no," Gannon said in response to a question from Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.

However, Gannon also didn't rule it out, saying he is investigating whether his department should join the 287(g) program, a partnership with federal immigration officials that authorizes county deputies to enforce immigration laws.



Gannon, a Republican in office since Jan. 1, was a guest speaker at a Morris County Tea Party meeting on immigration and public safety.

More than 100 people showed up at the Morris County Library for the 6:30 p.m. meeting, with opponents of toughening immigration enforcement appearing to outnumber supporters.

Barbara Eames, an organizer of the Tea Party group, sought to clarify its focus in addressing the crowd.

"We wish to make the distinction between those who are here legally and those who are here illegally," Eames said.

Dougherty, a Democrat seeking a third term as mayor, was among about 20 posing questions to Gannon.



A month ago, in response to a fake border patrol photo that caused some panic, Dougherty reiterated that Morristown police officers are not and will not perform the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, under what is known as the the ICE 287(g) program.

Dougherty asked Gannon if he knew of any declared sanctuary cities in New Jersey that were not following state guidelines on cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement.

"I don't know of any," Gannon responded.

In February, Madison adopted a resolution declaring itself a "welcoming community," to immigrants.

Following up, Dougherty said, "I want the public to understand that there are guidelines that all law enforcement have to follow, including Morristown."

"You all know Morristown's very pro-immigration, Dougherty said, adding that he and Gannon "kind of disagree on a couple of issues."

To that, Gannon replied, "You say that, I don't know if we do," before asking Dougherty to proceed with his question.

Dougherty continued.

"Are you intending to authorize federalization for your police department," he asked.

Gannon responded by saying he has no plans to do so.

Earlier in the meeting, Gannon was asked by Diane Du Brule, a Chatham resident and acting director of the state ACLU chapter, whether he is considering bringing to the county jail the 287(g) program, which allows officers to detain those in the country illegally. Monmouth and Salem county sheriff's offices and the Hudson County Department of Corrections are already part of the program, according to reports. Cape May County is considering the program.

"In light of state's rights, which I understand is an important value of the Tea Party, why would you take upon federal enforcement at your own expense, if in fact you would," Du Brule asked.

Gannon replied, "We're not, presently," but added that he has been in office less than three months and is reviewing the situation.

"We're keeping all our options open to see how we can deliver a better service to the folks up here, because it is about crime reduction, too. I do have a responsibility to do that and i don't shy away from that," Gannon said.

The contentious, but orderly, meeting ended on a raucous note as Karol Ruiz, co-president of Wind of the Spirt, led a rallying cry.

"No human being is illegal," she said, several times.

"Except illegals," someone was heard responding.

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