Two candidates running for Lee County sheriff this week clashed over immigration enforcement policies in the wake of a recent deputy-involved shooting that left a Lee County deputy injured.
Candidate Cam Hunt issued a public statement calling for Lee County to join the federal 287(g) program, which allows participating local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that authorize certain trained officers to perform limited federal immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.
DHS describes the program as a “force multiplier” that helps identify and process individuals who may be in the country unlawfully while they are already in local custody or through other approved enforcement models. Participation is voluntary and requires a formal agreement outlining training, oversight and the scope of authority granted to local agencies.
Hunt referenced information released by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency identifying the suspect in the shooting as a Guatemalan national who was wanted on a first-degree rape warrant. Hunt said he had received information from multiple sources indicating the suspect was in the United States illegally, though that has not been independently confirmed by CNAW2News.com.
Hunt argued that Lee County’s decision not to participate in the 287(g) program represents what he called “a failure of leadership.” He said the program is intended to help local agencies identify and remove people in the country illegally who are accused of crimes and argued that participation could help prevent future incidents.
“If elected, I will ensure Lee County participates in the 287(g) program,” Hunt said.
Incumbent Sheriff Jay Jones responded by rejecting Hunt’s claims and defending the sheriff’s office record of cooperation with federal authorities.
Jones said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has consistently worked with ICE and other federal agencies. According to Jones, the sheriff’s office regularly notifies federal partners when undocumented individuals are in custody, honors lawful detainers, facilitates transfers to ICE custody and supports removal proceedings when permitted by law.
Jones said participation in the optional 287(g) program can involve administrative responsibilities and liability costs, and argued that the county’s absence from the program has not prevented cooperation with ICE.
He also criticized Hunt for raising the issue in the aftermath of the shooting, calling the remarks politically motivated.
The exchange comes as voters prepare for the May 19 election for Lee County sheriff. Public safety and immigration enforcement have become central issues in the campaign following the recent shooting investigation.
Authorities have not announced any final determination regarding the suspect’s immigration status, and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
