‘Rebuilding That Trust We Have Lost’: New Cobb Sheriff Axes Immigration, Law Enforcement Program

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens sent a memo to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday, saying his office would no longer participate in 287(g), a provision that deputizes local law enforcement to check the immigration status of those they detain.

Bryan Cox / Associated Press file

Another Atlanta-area sheriff new to the position is ending a partnership with federal immigration officials.

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens sent a memo to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday, saying his office would no longer participate in 287(g).

The provision deputizes local law enforcement to check the immigration status of those they detain, but has faced growing opposition. Immigration advocates say 287(g) encourages racial profiling and creates an unnecessary fear of law enforcement.