31-01-2025
Local Sheriffs react to Federal program 287(g)
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – For many sheriffs in our community the answer to the question of Federal Program 287(g) was the same: We will uphold the law, but we won't allow anything unconstitutional to happen to the citizens who reside in their communities.
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman stated, 'In my view as long as they reside in Chatham County, they are citizens.'
If state and local Law Enforcement agencies choose to participate, the program gives them the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency's direction and oversight.
Sheriff Coleman along with Liberty County Sheriff William Bowman both have the same stance on the 287(g) program. If it is required of the law, then they will uphold their civic duty but as far as volunteering to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), both are opposed.
'I heard that a lot of sheriffs are opting out you know, they're challenging the constitutional position of these orders that are coming forward. But I'm sure that like myself, you know, they are also law men and women who understand that their duty is to protect and uphold the Constitution,' Coleman said.
'After speaking with Sheriff Bowman, as far as anything that comes down, you know, are we only going to do what the law requires. We're not going to volunteer to do anything. We're going to do what the law states,' said Lt. Phillip Bohannon, Liberty County Public Information Officer.
Other counties in the state have opted in and will be working with ICE, but as far as our counties, these were these were the reasons stated for why they won't be opting in include cost, time, and staffing measures.
'Whether its federal enforcement or local enforcement you know there's a tax dollar hat applies to any situation that, you know, any police or law enforcement operation, and so you have to consider the taxpaying citizens of your county when you make these decisions with any of these law enforcement operations,' Coleman News 3 reached out to eight different law enforcement agencies across various counties and are still waiting for six to respond.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as soon as they are made available.
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