Gov. Brian Kemp’s administration is requesting federal approval to allow Georgia Department of Public Safety officers to enforce federal immigration laws. If approved, the initiative would train more than 1,100 state officers under the 287(g) program to help identify and detain individuals in the country illegally who pose a public safety risk.
Kemp described the proposal as a logical step to enhance law enforcement’s ability to remove individuals engaged in criminal activity who lack legal status. He emphasized that the measure aligns with federal priorities and reinforces Georgia’s commitment to stricter immigration enforcement.
“If you are in our country illegally and committing crimes, you have no place in Georgia,” Kemp said, calling the move a “common sense” measure.
The program would be overseen by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Georgia already participates in a similar program allowing state officers to enforce immigration laws within local jails and prisons. Supporters say this would improve public safety and reduce costs linked to repeat offenders. Critics warn it could lead to racial profiling and discourage crime reporting among immigrant communities.
The proposal now awaits federal review.
