The Flowery Branch and Oakwood police departments have formalized agreements allowing officers to assist federal immigration authorities through the 287(g) program.
The AJC reports the Flowery Branch agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was signed in June. Oakwood police formalized their partnership earlier this month. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has operated under a 287(g) agreement since 2008, renewing it as required.
This follows statewide legislative efforts focused on immigration enforcement and compliance, including a two-year-old state law.
The Flowery Branch Police Chief and a spokesman for Oakwood Police both cited the law as reasons for their agency’s agreements.
Participation in the 287(g) program has grown sharply across the state during the second term of the Trump administration, increasing from a small number of agencies to nearly 70 statewide now, according to the newspaper.
There are a number of incentives for law enforcement agencies to participate, including:
- Full reimbursement for annual salaries and benefits of trained officers, plus up to 25% extra for overtime costs.
- Up to $100,000 provided per Memorandum of Agreement for purchasing new police vehicles.
- Up to $7,500 for equipment per each trained task force officer.
- Quarterly cash awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per trained officer based on successful percentages of locating ICE-identified targets.
- No-cost federal certification and training for local staff to handle select immigration enforcement duties.
- Expanded federal data-sharing and operational support during routine duties or specialized local task forces.
(This story was written with help from AI.)