L.A. County Ends 287(g) Program But Continues Work with ICE

May 13, 2015

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to terminate the 287(g) Memorandum of Understanding that allowed ICE Agents to expedite the deportation of felonious illegal aliens from within county jails. However the Board authorized the County Sheriff to negotiate with ICE regarding when ICE agents can enter county jails and interview criminals who are suspected illegal aliens.

Since its adoption in 2005, the 287(g) federal-state partnership program has removed many illegal aliens from LA County jails who are convicted of felonies. This has saved the county millions of dollars and ensured the criminals would be deported rather than released on the streets.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county and ICE enabled Agents placed directly in jails to interview newly convicted criminals and determine whether they were illegally present. The interview process is important because it uncovers details that cannot be ascertained from criminal background checks. Now it will be up to the county sheriff to determine which criminals ICE should interview. That contact will occur under the federal Priority Enforcement Program, which the Obama Administration created last fall as it sought to phase out the more effective 287(g) and Secure Communities programs.

The motion to terminate the MOU was offered Supervisors Hilda Solis and Mark Ridley-Thomas and supported by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Supervisors Michael Antonovich and Don Knabe cast the dissenting votes. The Board had just renewed the MOU last fall with support former supervisor Gloria Molina but the balance shifted when Keuhl replaced her.

Over 100 people gave testimony before the Board’s vote, including Jamiel Shaw, Sr. In 2008, his teenage son was murdered just steps from their home by illegal aliens. He said, “My son would’ve been alive today …We don’t want to hear about the sob stories of illegal aliens here working and doing the right thing because that’s not true. Ask people like me, whose family members are in the ground while illegal aliens get privilege for the American dream.”