Speak Out: Will Lapsing Immigration Agreement Impact Loudoun?

In December, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced it would end the 287(g) program in Loudoun and several other jurisdictions to focus on more effective types of enforcement for removing criminal illegal immigrants from the country. 

The program allowed local law enforcement to question those suspected of crimes about their legal status and detain or arrest those here illegally, potentially leading to their deportation.

Loudoun's MOA with ICE for the 287(g) program began in 2009.

ICE had 57 Memorandum of Agreements for the program in 21 states, with more than 1,300 officers trained and certified in the program. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell asked ICE to authorize state troopers under a 287(g) program in 2010, but his request was denied.

The agency said in December it would end 17 of those agreements in 2013 and temporarily continue others — such as one in neighboring Prince William County's jail — in order to put more efforts behind detaining illegal immigrants who are deemed a bigger priority, such as those who have committed felonies, rather than going after those who have committed petty offenses, officials said in a release.

The Secure Communities program, which will remain in place at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, identifies criminal illegal immigrants as they’re arrested and booked when they’re taken into custody. 

Tell us: Will end of ICE program make a difference in Loudoun?

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