Two Kentucky lawmakers have filed bills that would require local and state law enforcement to work in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Senate Bill 86, sponsored by state Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, introduced the legislation that requires law enforcement agencies around the commonwealth, including Kentucky State Police, to sign a the 287(g) Program agreement, which “delegates state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight,” according to ICE.
In Kentucky, there are 27 agencies, including the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and Grayson County Detention Center, that have signed 287(g) Program agreements.
A similar bill, House Bill 47 was filed by state Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington, and closely mirrors Senate Bill 86 but additionally requires officers to complete 40 hours of ICE-approved training.
Both measures will need to clear committees before attaining a floor vote in either the Kentucky House or Senate.
FOX 56 in Lexington was the first news outlet to report on the proposed measures.
(Photo courtesy of ICE Multimedia)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
