As immigration policies continue to dominate national headlines, the spotlight shines on Northwest Georgia, where three sheriffs’ offices maintain agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Floyd, Whitfield, and Polk Counties currently participate in the 287(g) program, an agreement that compensates local law enforcement agencies for housing immigration detainees.

These agreements have drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters citing their role in bolstering national security and opponents raising concerns about potential civil rights violations and the strain on local resources. The 287(g) program in Georgia faces criticism for being discriminatory towards immigrants, as it leads to deportations for minor offenses and discourages minorities from reporting crimes.  Civil rights groups argue it lacks effectiveness in reducing crime, strains local law enforcement, enables racial profiling, separates families, and relies on unreliable funding.

Today, February 12, 2025, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and ICE are holding their triennial 287(g) Steering Committee Meeting. The meeting, held at the Floyd County Jail Training Center, is mandated by the Memorandum of Agreement between the agencies and offers a public forum to discuss the operation of the program. A notice released by ICE highlights that the public is welcome to attend the meeting, although questions for the committee had to be submitted by February 1st. Only questions specifically pertaining to the 287(g) program’s implementation will be addressed.