Thread: District Attorney Rex Gore, 13th NC District on 287(g)

Immigration and 287(g)by District Attorney Rex Gore
Posted: May 10, 2007 11:36:42 AM



The United States is a nation of immigrants "historically welcoming those who seek a better life or need protection from oppressive governments around the earth. However, there is a growing concern among those is law enforcement and in the community in general about the crime and other service demands being made on our area by "illegal" immigrants. While immigration is an issue governed by federal statutes, illegal immigration is a growing problem locally. I met yesterday (May 9) with the three sheriffs in my prosecutorial district to discuss our response to the issue "specifically about applying for section "287(g)" status for our departments. Sheriffs Steve Bunn (Bladen), Ron Hewett (Brunswick) and Chris Batten (Columbus) agree that we need a unified effort in southeastern North Carolina and each is taking the initials steps to gain 287(g) status. They are enthusiastic and committed to getting a handle on this issue. The approval process is long, however. Columbus County has already made a preliminary inquiry and Brunswick and Bladen are doing so.

Section 287(g) originated in the 1996 amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act passed by Congress. The initiative is designed to effectively multiply the forces of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through enhanced cooperation and communication with state and local law enforcement. Under 287(g), ICE provides state and local law enforcement with the training and subsequent authorization to identify, process, and when appropriate, detain immigration offenders they encounter during their regular, daily law-enforcement activity. Section 287 (g) is not designed to allow local LEO to do on-site raids or roundups.


In June of last year, agencies in only five states had applied for 287 (g) status and less than 150 officers had been cross-designated. Most of the 287(g) work is done in the jails, identifying illegals. Only five counties in North Carolina have such status, most along the I-85 corridor. Our counties will be among the newest.

When status is granted and the four week training program completed, the Sheriffs will be able to quickly check the status of folks brought into their jails. Those determined to be illegal will be held for pickup by ICE for deportation. This should help us get the drunks, the violent, and those dealing dope in our county. I restate again that this program does not allow for on-site raids or roundup. But it does give us another tool. I will keep you posted on progress through the process.
http://communities.brunswickvoice.com/d ... tem=597911

He needs some gentle pushing (bulldozer might work) bit week on 287(g)

Note that he does not put an email on any of his many web sites.

http://www.ncdistrictattorney.org/rexgore/rexgore.htm

http://triangle.citysearch.com/profile/ ... =smx_yp-nc

http://www.rexgorencda13.com/