Mecklenburg County Commissioners are requesting more information about the 287(g) program, which allows the sheriff’s office to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to screen and detain immigrants living in the U.S. illegally after they are brought to the Mecklenburg County jail.
At a meeting Tuesday night, dozens of activists called on commissioners to oppose the program, saying it fosters distrust of law enforcement in immigrant communities. Democratic County Commissioners George Dunlap and Trevor Fuller say they want more information about the program’s funding and the county’s involvement.
"I’ve heard two different sides make two different issues, and I’m tired of standing in the middle of it," Dunlap said. "I want the information."
Fuller said he is opposed to the program. Two Republican commissioners, Bill James and Jim Puckett, have said they support it.
Sheriff Irwin Carmichael has previously said the program helps his staff identify who is brought into the jail. The commission plans to meet with the sheriff next week.
