Hamilton County, in a notable policy shift following directives from both federal and state authorities, has established an Immigration Commission to advance public safety through increased collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The initiative implements the 287(g) program, which deputizes select local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws, as reported by FOX59.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is the first in Indiana to join the program, with the commission led by Chief Deputy John Lowes. As described in a statement obtained by WTHR, the commission's goals are to strengthen public safety by enabling officers, to remove from the community criminal illegal aliens who are incarcerated at the Hamilton County Jail. Lowes emphasized, "It's really important that our officers have the training so they can continue that detention, so that they can be removed from our community."
However, despite criticism that such programs may lead to racial profiling or over-policing of immigrant communities, Lowes assured the public in an interview with WRTV that the commission would only target "illegal aliens that have committed a crime, that are in our jail." He further stated, "We are not doing this as a means to target people who are victims, target people because of their race, or ethnicity. We're not doing that."
Amid the national discourse on immigration laws, initiative supporters have argued that such collaboration with ICE is essential for public safety. The commission also aims to involve contributions from members of law enforcement and the community, ensuring a balanced approach to the sensitive issue. Chief Deputy Lowes mentioned, seeing more guns in the hands of prohibited people, "We just want to make sure we are prepared to do that," while addressing concerns about the commission, according to WTHR.
Training, equipment, and a memorandum of understanding with ICE are underway, without a specific timeline for full implementation. "This is moving forward. As soon as we can get the training scheduled, the MOU in place, equipment, we hope to get it out as soon as possible," Lowes told FOX59. Noteworthy, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has publicly stated it lacks the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, differentiating its stance from that of the HCSO's emerging policy.
