NEW PROGRAM TEAMS LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH ICE

**Big Sexy** · 08-23-07, 09:23 PM

NEW PROGRAM TEAMS LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH ICE

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a new program called “ICE ACCESS” (for “Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security”), which will give local law enforcement agencies the opportunity to team with ICE to combat specific challenges in their communities.

“Local law enforcement agencies have shown tremendous interest in working with ICE,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Julie L. Myers, who oversees ICE. “Combining federal, state and local resources has proven successful in safeguarding the public. Now, we want to build on that success by using ICE’s unique authorities to further aid communities who seek our assistance.”

ICE developed the ACCESS program in response to the widespread interest from local law enforcement agencies that have requested ICE partnerships through the 287(g) program, which cross-designates local officers to enforce immigration law as authorized through section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In the past two years, the 287(g) program has identified more than 22,000 illegal aliens for possible deportation. More than 60 municipal, county, and state agencies nationwide have requested a 287(g) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ICE, and more than 400 local and state officers have been trained under the program.

The 287(g) program is only one component under the ICE ACCESS umbrella of services and programs offered for assistance to local law enforcement officers. Other ICE ACCESS enforcement options include the creation of local task forces targeting specific challenges like gangs or document fraud, the presence of a Criminal Alien Program (CAP) team in local detention facilities to identify criminal aliens, or training to utilize the ICE Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC), which provides officers the ability to inquire about a person’s immigration and criminal history. One especially successful joint initiative is Operation Community Shield, a national program aimed at dismantling violent transnational gangs that threaten the public.

ICE agents and officers will meet with agencies requesting ICE ACCESS assistance to assess local needs. Based on these assessments, ICE and the local agencies will determine which type of partnership would be most beneficial and sustainable before entering into an official agreement.

Law enforcement agencies interested in reviewing the enforcement programs under the ICE ACCESS program are encouraged to call their local ICE office or visit www.ice.gov for more information.
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