Arkansas State Police report 48 held under federal immigration program

Arkansas law enforcement officials said Wednesday that 48 people have been held on immigration detainers through the state police's participation in a federal immigration program since September.

The announcement came during a legislative hearing where lawmakers sought more details about the cost and scope of the program, which grants state police limited authority to enforce federal immigration law. Republican Sen. Missy Irvin, co-chair of the subcommittee overseeing State Police, said she wanted to ensure all officers were trained and participating in the program.

Arkansas State Police joined the 287(g) Task Force Model program last summer after a state law required the agency, along with the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs, to participate. The program allows troopers to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they believe someone encountered during routine duties may be in the country illegally. ICE can then place an immigration detainer on that person.

The full article is available at ktlo.com.

(Story by Staff, ktlo.com)