Cobb County Police Sgt. Dana Pierce is careful to point out the difference between his department and the Cobb sheriff when it comes to enforcing President Donald Trump's get-tough plan on illegal immigration.
“We’re interested in solving crimes and we want to hear from people regardless of their race, creed, religion,” said Pierce, making it clear that Cobb police would not be applying to join the part of the law enforcement program known as 287(g).
The Cobb sheriff's office, meanwhile, has participated in the program since 2009. They have been checking a person's immigration status after they are already in jail. The sheriff's office last year re-upped to participate through at least 2019.
Trump wants to give local law enforcement a larger role in immigration enforcement.
Pierce said the sheriff’s participation has made it tougher for officers on the street in Cobb County to engage certain populations, namely Latinos, from reporting crimes for fear it could lead to their deportation.
“They are hesitant or afraid to come forward,” Pierce said. “That perception of the police is bothersome to us.”
To learn more about the program and which metro Atlanta counties are participating read the full story myajc.com
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