Kenosha, WI – Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner announced Friday that his office will not participate in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties.
According to a statement released by Lt. Daniel Ruth, the sheriff’s office had reviewed the program closely. Zoerner said he attended training sessions provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the southern border and participated in sheriffs’ training regarding 287(g). Despite the exposure, he concluded that current conditions do not make participation in the county’s best interest.
“This is a rapidly evolving program,” Zoerner said in the release. “We are monitoring it to ensure that our participation would ultimately be in the best interest of the taxpayers of Kenosha County. In consultation with the county administration, we are not confident that would be the case at this time.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it will continue to cooperate with ICE as required by law, including information sharing. Zoerner added that his office would revisit the decision if circumstances change and if it is deemed beneficial for county residents.
Currently, 24 inmates on ICE detainers are being held in the Kenosha County Jail while facing other local criminal charges.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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