ATLANTA (March 24, 2010) – Today the Senate took action to provide monetary incentives for local governments to utilize U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Section 287(g) and Secured Communities programs by passing Senate Bill 385 (SB 385). State Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw) sponsored the legislation to help relieve monetary burdens from local governments and the state by quickly turning criminal illegal aliens over to the proper federal authorities. The bill passed 37-11.
“Georgia welcomes anyone who wants to be a law-abiding citizen to make a better life for themselves and their family. For those who choose to break the law, they must suffer the consequences,” said Wiles. “I’m pleased my colleagues chose to help local and state budgets by quickly identifying criminal illegal aliens, get them out of local jails and to the ICE.”
Wiles’ bill (SB 385) would provide a 20 percent bonus from the state to local governments that utilize the ICE 287(g) program and a 10 percent bonus from the state for those that utilize the Secured Communities program. ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) provides local law enforcement agencies an opportunity to team with ICE to combat specific challenges in their communities. Due to fiscal constraints, this bill will take affect when funds are available to be appropriated.
The Section 287(g) program is only one component under the ICE ACCESS umbrella of services and programs offered for assistance to local law enforcement officers. ICE developed the ACCESS program in response to the widespread interest from local law enforcement agencies who have requested ICE assistance through the Section 287(g) program, which trains local officers to enforce immigration law as authorized through Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Secured Communities is a Department of Homeland Security initiative that improves public safety by implementing a comprehensive, integrated approach to identify and remove criminal aliens from the United States. The Secure Communities Program Management Office coordinates all ICE planning, operational, technical, and fiscal activities devoted to transforming, modernizing, and optimizing the criminal alien enforcement process.
Sen. John Wiles serves as Chairman of the Special Judiciary Committee. He also serves as Chairman of the Cobb Legislative Delegation. He represents the 37th Senate District which includes a portion of Cobb County. He may be reached by phone at 404.657.0406 or by e-mail at john.wiles@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028