In a recent move to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has directed the Department of Public Safety to expand their partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As reported by the official press release, all 1,100 DPS officers are set to receive training under ICE's 287(g) Program, a move that aligns with President Donald Trump's Executive Order aimed at protecting American citizens from what has been described as an 'invasion'.
"If you are in our country illegally and committing crimes, you have no place in Georgia," Governor Kemp stated. Echoing this sentiment, the governor credited the Trump administration for acknowledging the paramount importance of the issue and then taking actions to safeguard the public by enforcing stricter border security and immigration laws. Under the direction of Colonel Billy Hitchens, the DPS has submitted a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to engage in the Task Force Model (TFM) within the 287(g) program, significantly enhancing its cooperative capabilities with federal immigration authorities.
Colonel Hitchens emphasized the significance of interagency teamwork and the educational benefits the program imparts on state and local law enforcement. "This training and collaboration between agencies increases our ability to keep our communities safe," Hitchens explained, according to the press release. The 287(g) program not only equips the participating officers with immigration-specific insights but also facilitates their operative cooperation in identifying and detaining those who jeopardize public security and contravene U.S. immigration policies. Approximately 1,730 criminals on ICE detainers have been removed from Georgia streets, thanks to the diligent work of the GDC and law enforcement.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety plays an integral role in maintaining statewide law and order through the units under its banner: the Georgia State Patrol, Capitol Police, and Motor Carrier Compliance Division. With the implementation of the 287(g) program, DPS officers are now more adept at incorporating immigration enforcement into their regular duties such as traffic stops, crash investigations and inspections of commercial vehicles. The 287(g) arrangement dates back to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which allowed ICE to delegate specific immigration duties to state and local officers. The ongoing commitment to this program exemplifies Georgia's approach to uphold the integrity of immigration laws and enhance public safety in collaboration with federal partners.
