By David SherfinskiExaminer Staff Writer
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell wants state police to be deputized with immigration enforcement authority through a federal program that also has garnered the support of former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich, who is hoping to oust incumbent Democrat Martin O’Malley from office this year.
The program, known as 287(g), allows local law enforcement agencies to enforce certain federal immigration laws. A handful of local counties and jurisdictions participate in the program, including Prince William County and the city of Manassas in Virginia, and Frederick County, Md.
“This is what the law provided 10, 15 years ago … a partnership between the federal government and local/state law enforcement officers to assist them in enforcing immigration laws,” McDonnell said. “Look, they’re underfunded, they’re understaffed, they don’t have the resources to police the border or to enforce the laws in the state, so that’s why the law is in place so we can use our resources to help enforce the law.”
In Maryland, a bill to expand the program statewide died during this year’s General Assembly session. Frederick County commissioners recently voted down a proposal for an Arizona-like immigration law, though the county participates in 287(g).
But Andy Barth, a spokesman for Ehrlich, said the GOP candidate supports the concept and that he has been in touch with McDonnell about pursuing joint action between the states after the election.
Shaun Adamec, a spokesman for O’Malley, delivered a mixed statement on the program, which has drawn criticism from civil rights groups.
“The governor believes strongly in the need for immediate, comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level,” Adamec said in an e-mailed statement. “By diverting local resources for local police to act as de facto border patrol agents, you diminish local law enforcement’s ability to protect the public safety and enforce laws that keep neighborhoods safe.”
