To help break it down, here is a review of what you should know.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program is part of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s toolbox. It delegates some federal immigration authority to local law enforcement.
It has never been popular with law enforcement agencies, partly because it comes with no resources or funding. Under the program, sheriff’s deputies receive federal training so they can determine a detainee’s immigration status. They also have the power to initiate deportation proceedings.
Knox County is one of just 72 local agencies in the country with what it calls a “Jail Enforcement Model” agreement, according to ICE. Seventy-six agencies have less intensive “Warrant Services Officer” agreements. Greene County is the only other jurisdiction in Tennessee that uses the Jail Enforcement Model.