Boozman: 287(g) Welcome In NW Arkansas

Press Release

Praises new agreements, region working together

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today praised the formal agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and four Northwest Arkansas law enforcement agencies to implement the 287(g) program, allowing the agencies to perform immigration law enforcement functions

"This is an important day for the people of Washington and Benton counties as a new regional cooperative effort is formed to help address illegal immigration," Boozman said. "Cooperation between local law enforcement and the federal government on homeland security issues was one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, and I am happy to see that cooperation manifest in Northwest Arkansas."

The police departments of Rogers and Springdale, and the sheriff's offices in Washington and Benton counties have all signed memorandums of understanding with ICE to lay out the operational rules for the regional task force.

"The 287(g) program is important to local law enforcement, and it is welcome in the Third District," Boozman said. "It represents a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to improve the quality of community policing in our neighborhoods, cities, and counties. It creates a seamless web of information sharing and training which will result in making our communities safer."

Last month, 19 Northwest Arkansas officers and deputies graduated from 287(g) training in Boston, but were waiting on finalized agreements before beginning to perform their additional duties. Additionally, the City of Fort Smith and the Arkansas State Police have expressed interest in obtaining additional federal training.

"I really have to give credit to (Rogers) Mayor Steve Womack for the leadership he has shown in training his police force," Boozman said. "It is my hope that this Northwest Arkansas regional task force will be a model for the state in how to make our communities safer."

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