CHARLOTTE, NC — The new Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s first order of business on Wednesday was to end the voluntary 287 (g) agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and ICE.
Sheriff Garry McFadden was sworn into office Tuesday evening, and released the statement early Wednesday morning announcing the end of the agreement. Under the 287 (g) agreement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been able to operate within the Mecklenburg County jail since 2006.
The county was one of only around 78 counties nationwide, out of more than 3,000, that voluntarily agreed to participate in the program.
Sheriff McFadden says he is ending the agreement with the hopes of rebuilding trust with the community and strengthen public safety.
“Today I’m ending ICE’s 287(g) program in Mecklenburg County and joining the majority of police and sheriff departments around the country who have declined to do ICE’s bidding because it erodes trust with our community and ties up critical resources that should be used to ensure public safety,” said Sheriff McFadden. “My commitment has been – and will remain – keeping this community safe. By ending this program, I will utilize unlimited office resources on preventing serious crimes and to improve public safety in our communities.”
During his campaign for office, McFadden pledged to end the agreement if elected.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office says they will however, “continue to comply with all federal obligations as they pertain to ICE and follow state laws that apply to determining and sharing information concerning immigration or citizenship status.”
