Gwinnett County Immigration Event Turns Tense

More than 100 people showed up to a panel holding signs both for and against the program.

Roxanne Scott / WABE

Residents of Gwinnett County made their voices heard about the 287g program, which allows the sheriff’s office to enforce federal immigration law, this week. More than 100 people showed up to a six-member panel about the program holding signs both for and against it.

The audience at the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration building repeatedly interrupted panelists.

Hours prior to the event, immigrant rights groups declined to participate because D.A. King was on the panel representing Gwinnett County. King, a self-described nationalist, is founder of the Dustin Inman Society. The Southern Poverty Law Center identifies the organization as a hate group.