The 287G of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act is a program that essentially allows select state and local agencies to act as immigration enforcement agents. In other words, it allows assistance to the federal government with enforcing immigration laws.
In order to collaborate, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provides these state and local agencies with essential training and information. Officers wishing to participate under ICE require a 4 week training period. Once trained, these agencies are authorized to process and detain immigration offenders as needed.
Officer Training
Officers and agencies participating in the 287G are required to undergo an intense background check through ICE. As mentioned, authorized officers must complete a 4 week training period through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). This training gives offices a lot of practice and information that is necessary when working with immigration law. Once completing the training, a final examination is given to all officers. A score of 70% or higher is considered a pass, and the officer is now deputized.
Additional training is also offered to officers and can be found here.
Types of Agreements For a 287G
There are two different types of agreements between counties and ICE. The two types include the “jail enforcement” model and the “warrant service officer” model, both of which are used in select counties in North Carolina.
- The “jail enforcement” model allows for qualified agencies to detain non-citizens after arrest due to their immigration status. There are 12 counties in the state of North Carolina that practice this model.
- The “warrant service officer” model differs from the “jail enforcement” model as it allows agencies to arrest, interrogate and execute ICE official warrants. There are 3 counties in the State of North Carolina that practice this model.
Which Counties in NC Have Agreements With ICE?
In the state of North Carolina, there are 15 counties that have agreements with ICE. These counties include Alamance County, Albermarle County, Avery County, Brunswick County, Cabarrus County, Caldwell County, Cleveland County, Duplin County, Gaston County, Henderson County, Lincoln County, Nash County, Randolph County, Rockingham County, and Yance County.
| LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY | SUPPORT TYPE | SIGNED | MOA |
| Alamance County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-05-21 | link |
| Albemarle District Jail | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-03-19 | link |
| Avery County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-07-23 | link |
| Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-07-23 | link |
| Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office | Jail Enforcement Model | 2020-03-11 | link |
| Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-03-19 | link |
| Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-01-16 | link |
| Duplin County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-06-25 | link |
| Gaston County Sheriff’s Office | Jail Enforcement Model | 2020-06-09 | link |
| Henderson County Sheriff’s Office | Jail Enforcement Model | 2020-06-09 | link |
| Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-06-05 | link |
| Nash County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-01-29 | link |
| Randolph County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-05-21 | link |
| Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2019-12-31 | link |
| Yancey County Sheriff’s Office | Warrant Service Officer | 2020-07-20 | link |
For more information regarding other counties in The United States that have a 287G, click here.
What Does This Mean For Mecklenburg County?
In Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, there is no current agreement with ICE, meaning there is no 287G in Mecklenburg. For immigrants who are arrested and detained in Mecklenburg County, state and local law enforcement officers are not allowed to perform certain functions of federal immigration agents.
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