ATLANTA – Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that all 1,100 sworn officers with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) will receive training to assist in identifying and apprehending criminal illegal immigrants.
The training is part of the 287(g) Program, which was created under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. Under this program, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may choose to deputize state and local officers to perform specific immigration enforcement functions.
“Illegal immigration and criminal activity have no place in Georgia,” said Governor Kemp. “This commonsense initiative provides our dedicated law enforcement officers with the tools they need to better protect Georgians and maintain public safety. We are fortunate to have an administration in the White House that understands the seriousness of this issue and supports the work of our state’s officers in addressing it.”
DPS Commissioner Billy Hitchens has formally requested all DPS officers to participate in the program. This will expand Georgia’s existing partnership with ICE, which currently includes the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC).
The governor’s office says the GDC’s collaboration with ICE has proven to be effective. There are currently 1,730 ICE detainers lodged against GDC inmates. ICE recently requested additional corrections officers for deportation duties.
“Safety is our top priority, and this partnership with ICE provides additional tools and resources for our officers to keep Georgia’s communities safe,” said Colonel Billy Hitchens, DPS Commissioner. “Through training and improved communication with ICE, we’re enhancing our ability to identify individuals who pose a threat to public safety and ensuring they are held accountable.”
The new agreement allows DPS officers to work more closely with ICE through their day-to-day interactions, including traffic stops, crash investigations, and commercial vehicle inspections. Kemp’s office says participating officers will receive training from ICE at no cost to the state.
The 287(g) Program was established as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
