Orange joins immigration enforcement program

Hillsborough, N.C. — Orange County has joined a federal program that helps local law enforcement identify illegal immigrants when they have been charged with crimes.

New Hanover and Duplin counties also have joined the Secure Communities program. Administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the program gives local law enforcement agencies access to federal immigration databases to help identify illegal immigrants who have been arrested.

Unlike the more controvsersial 287(g) program, Secure Communities doesn't train local officers to initiate deportation proceedings.

“We are excited about having the technology to access the Department of Homeland Security’s and the Department of Justice’s information," Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace said in a statement. "This is another tool in our arsenal to make Duplin County an even safer place to live, work and raise a family.”

Wake and Cumberland counties are among the North Carolina counties that participate in the 287(g) program. Chatham County recently opted not to participate, saying it would disturb the community.

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Nunez, can you just stop saying things that aren't true. I am an America citizen, and I have cleaned bathrooms for a living. I have cleaned kennels for a living. I have worked in agriculture and spent all day in the hot sun. I even did fast food for a while. I have a better job now, but I never was above that other work. I am from the mountains and only recently did we get the influx of zillions of latin illegals. Before that, we still had enough people to work the Christmas tree farms and restaurants and every other low paying job. We don't need the illegals - period. That is why they shoould all be made to leave somehow. We may have become more dependent on them lately, but we will be fine eventually if they are eradicated. So I support the new program this article is about. I just think it can be taken to the next level and deportation initiated on any illegals that are found also.

readme
January 23, 2009 9:22 a.m.

Well, this is good news. I hope that North Carolina will soon pass a State Illegal Immigration Law and join South Carolina and other States.

We must take our Country back from this ILLEGAL INVASION. Our Federal Government has failed us BIG time.

Then you have these activist groups, the Catholic Church and the ACLU that want AMNESTY for these ILLEGAL ALIENS. It would be absolute suicide for this Country if AMNESTY were granted to the 20 million or so ILLEGAL ALIENS. We have more and more people out of work everyday and they want to add another 20 million to this Country? I say, “NO”!

I believe it is time for all 50 States to pass a State law, like Arizona, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and a few others. It is time for these ILLEGAL ALIENS to go back to their home Country and get out of this Country. The problems they are causing will not go away until the ILLEGAL ALIENS are out of this Country. I think that is plain to see.

scuncic
January 16, 2009 7:43 p.m.

This is wonderful news. As a resident of Orange county I am very happy that our elected officials have the sense to not let our community become a safe haven for these criminals.

genesmith
January 16, 2009 6:59 p.m.

Glad to hear it hope it works!!!

The Fireman
January 16, 2009 6:05 p.m.

The unemployment rate is the highest in 25 years! Of course Americans will do those jobs. They may not be the jobs they want, but right now they are the jobs they NEED!