Bexar County Constable Mark Vojvodich announced that his office has halted its participation in the 287(g) program, a federal immigration enforcement partnership, due to opposition from the public and county officials. The constable’s office had signed a memorandum of agreement in January to participate in the program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to assist with immigration enforcement functions.
Background
The 287(g) program, established through the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996, has been expanded in recent years to include more local law enforcement agencies. The program allows trained officers to assist with certain immigration enforcement functions during routine law enforcement encounters. However, the program has been met with opposition from some communities, who argue that it can lead to racial profiling and the targeting of illegal immigrants.
Vojvodich cited the large community turnout in opposition to the program as a signal that it was unlikely to receive approval from the Commissioners Court. He also noted that changes made to the program since January have reduced his interest in pursuing participation.
The constable’s office had previously cited federal reimbursement opportunities as a factor in entering the agreement. However, Vojvodich stated that his office never intended to proactively seek out illegal immigrants and instead viewed the agreement as a way to formalize cooperation that was already occurring during routine law enforcement activities.
Local Debate
The decision to halt the ICE partnership comes as local debate over immigration enforcement continues in San Antonio. A planned ICE detention facility on the city’s East Side has drawn criticism from city council members, community activists, and Bexar County officials.
While some local police departments and constables can choose whether to participate in the 287(g) program, state law requires most county sheriffs and jail operators to join the program. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has participated in the program under its most limited model, which applies only inside the county jail.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
