Hatch Secures New Training for Weber and Washington Counties to Deal With Immigration Problems

Press Release

HATCH SECURES NEW TRAINING FOR WEBER AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES TO DEAL WITH IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS
Program Boosts Cooperation Between Federal and Local Law Enforcement

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) announced today that the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) has approved both Weber and Washington counties to participate in the 287 (g) program, which will play a vital role in the enforcement of immigration laws.

The 287 (g) program cross-designates state and local law enforcement officers to enforce immigration law as authorized through section 287 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The five-week training program provides in-depth training which combines federal, state and local resources; allows officers to determine the immigration status of those processed through county jails; and assists with removal proceedings for those who are found to be in the country illegally.

"I have been working with the sheriffs and local officials from Weber and Washington counties to find solutions to the increased illegal immigration problems their counties have experienced in recent years," stated Hatch. "This is a key step forward in paving the way for increased coordination between ICE and local law enforcement to catch and deport illegal aliens who are committing crimes and harming the safety of our neighborhoods. I am thrilled Utah is now at the forefront of this successful program."

The 287 (g) program authorizes ICE to enter into agreements with state and local enforcement agencies to permit designated officers to perform immigration law enforcement functions with the proper training. Once law enforcement officers are trained under this program, both Immigration Enforcement agents and deportation officers will be available to respond to the work done by the local law enforcement agents trained under this program.

"We have worked very hard in Washington County to enhance our abilities to deal with the immigration issue," stated Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith. "We are excited to be able to train some deputies in this program. This is a great step in the right direction."

"I am very pleased to hear the news that we have been designated to participate in this program," added Weber County Sheriff Brad Slater. "This will help us determine the status of an offender so that we can deal with their arrest and booking in a more efficient manner."

Currently there are only 48 law enforcement departments across the country which have been approved for this program, with 750 officers trained and certified.

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