In support of the ICE out of NC campaign, we are circulating an organizational sign-on letter urging Cabarrus, Gaston, Henderson, Mecklenburg and Wake County Sheriffs to not renew the 287g agreements that their respective counties have with Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE). ICE will be renewing 32 existing 287g contracts, five (5) of which are in North Carolina. These renewals are due on June 28, 2016.
The 287g program is a federal-local immigration enforcement partnership in which selected local law enforcement officers are authorized to ask individuals for their immigration status and/or screen detainees for undocumented immigrants which can lead to deportations and deportation proceedings.
Investigations into the 287g program have found widespread instances of racial profiling, police abuse, and poor transparency that undermines public safety. Research on immigration policies has demonstrated that "there is legitimate concern that people who are potentially subject to 287g enforcement whether documented or not, may refrain from seeking vital services including medical, from any local government or private agency--even agencies unrelated to law enforcement--for fear of exposing themselves and their family members to legal sanctions or harassment."1
To read the letter and sign on, click here
The deadline to sign on is Tuesday, May 10, 2016.