Residents urge county to reconsider 287(g) immigration partnership; organizers warn of long-term costs

During the public-comment period at the April 16 meeting, several residents urged the Sullivan County Commission to rethink any partnership between the sheriff's office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program, citing civil-rights concerns and long-term costs.

"This is like making a deal with the devil," Sharon Brown told the commission, criticizing ICE practices and urging the county not to participate. Brown and others said the program can harm community trust and result in costly legal exposure for local governments.

Jenna Wingo of Tri-Cities Solidarity Project summarized outside studies on local fiscal effects and liability, saying research shows significant first-year costs in other counties and warning that long-term operational and legal expenses can fall to local taxpayers. She cited an academic report that found the first year of 287(g) operation in Mecklenburg County, N.C., cost roughly $5.3 million and noted other jurisdictions' experience in her remarks.

Commenters asked commissioners to weigh the documented fiscal risks and reported community harm before renewing any funding for programs tied to 287(g). Several speakers said local advocates will continue to press the board and share materials with commissioners.

Speakers quoted: Sharon Brown; Jenna Wingo; other local residents who recounted personal views and civic concerns.

Why it matters: County participation in 287(g) would involve law enforcement cooperation with ICE and carry both policy and budgetary implications; residents urged the commission to consider potential legal settlements, administrative costs and community effects before committing additional local resources.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 2445; topfinish SEG 3070.