Gwinnett To Enforce Immigration Laws

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/20038085/detail.html

Program Deputizes Local Police To Enforce Immigration Laws

POSTED: 11:24 am EDT July 13, 2009
UPDATED: 12:55 pm EDT July 13, 2009

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department has entered into a 287(g) agreement, making it the fourth law enforcement agency in Georgia to do so.

The 287(g) program deputizes local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.

Gwinnett is the first Georgia county to enter into such an agreement since a federal Government Accountability Office investigation released in March raised concerns about the program and led the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to make some changes.

Gwinnett's entry into the agreement is being cheered by anti-immigration groups and lamented by immigrant rights activists.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office received notification late last week that they are one of 11 new agencies approved for the 287(g) program.

Sheriff Butch Conway has fought hard to make sure Gwinnett received this program in order to address the number of illegal aliens living in Gwinnett County.

“This is a program that has been much needed here in Gwinnett County because we have such a large population of illegal aliens from countries around the world living here. It is unfortunate that not all of our population has chosen to abide by our immigration laws. Now, we will have an avenue when someone is arrested to check their immigration status and place a hold on them for deportation if they are not here legally,â€