Lawyers’ Group Wants Sheriff To Leave ICE Program

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice recently sent a letter to Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson urging him to end his participation in the 287g program, which allows the Sheriff's office to handle some tasks involving illegal immigration which are normally handled by agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

In the letter the group's Executive Director, Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, called participation in the program "fiscally irresponsible" saying it takes valuable resources could be better utilized towards public safety.

Hodgson rejected that claim telling wbsm news that illegal immigration has already placed a great financial burden on local communities.

"There's $113 billion of our education dollars, half of it, $56 billion, is going to the education of people who are here illegally," said Hodgson "not to mention the hospital costs, the medical costs, the costs associated with crime."

Espinoza-Madrigal said continued participation could create further mistrust between local law enforcement and the community at large, making immigrants and other minorities less likely to come to police when crimes occur.

He also said his group would be closely monitoring Hodgson's department for any potential civil rights violations.

Hodgson responded by saying that making sure laws are enforced isn't a violation of civil rights.

"They're suggesting to people that the laws not be followed and so they can monitor all they want," said Hodgson "the citizens of our county and across the country who expect us to protect them don't take kindly that send these sort of subtle threats. We're just doing what we're charged with doing."

Hodgson said he has no intention of ending his participation in the program and says he will be lobbying for federal legislation that will give local law enforcement more power to enforce immigration laws.