MENOMONIE, Wis. (WJMC) — Dunn County has signed an agreement with federal immigration authorities that allows the sheriff’s office to enforce federal immigration law.
Records show that Dunn County joined the 287(g) program on February 10, which allows deputies to arrest people who have administrative immigration warrants and are wanted by ICE.
Eighteen of the state’s 72 counties and one police department have joined the program. Dunn County is the only agency in Northwest Wisconsin. Most departments are in the central and southeast part of the state.
Immigrants rights and civil rights groups criticize the program, saying it deters immigrants of all legal statues from reporting crimes or coming forward as witnesses.