Sheriff: Will continue to enforce immigration law

Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder
Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder

FAYETTEVILLE -- The Washington County Sheriff's Office will enforce the law and cooperate with other agencies in doing so, Sheriff Tim Helder told a crowd of at least 60 people Tuesday who oppose his participation in a federal immigration enforcement program.

Both the Benton and Washington county sheriff's offices participate in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's 287(g) program. Helder's office participates by checking the immigration status of those taken into custody who are accused of other crimes.

Knowing the sheriffs cooperate with immigration officials has a chilling effect on crime victims, opponents of the program said. A victim who has reason to fear being deported or that a member of his family may be deported will not report a crime when deputies would be involved, opponents said.

Spokesmen for the federal agency, who were at the meeting, said federal law has protections for crime victims in those circumstances. Opponents countered victims will not take the risk.

The comments were made at a public hearing Tuesday at Helder's office in Fayetteville. Federal law requires such hearing annually for departments in the 287(g) program. Immigration law is under the jurisdiction of the federal government, but local agencies can choose to participate.

NW News on 08/16/2017

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