Joplin council member proposes exploring ICE partnership for police funding
What do you think?
A Joplin City Council member wants the city to consider joining a federal immigration enforcement program that could provide additional funding for the city's police department.
Council member Brian Cowles is calling for a closer look at the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained local law enforcement officers to assist ICE with certain duties.
"Given the staffing, pay, and equipment needs we're already addressing in Joplin, I think we should consider what this program could offer," Cowles said.
The program allows participating departments to work with ICE under federal supervision.
Federal funding opportunities include reimbursement for eligible officers' salaries and benefits, overtime expenses and certain equipment costs. Training is provided at federal expense.
Several southwest Missouri agencies already participate, including the Jasper, Newton, Lawrence and Greene county sheriff's offices, along with police departments in Goodman, Pineville and Southwest City and the Noel Marshal's Office.
Those agencies have entered agreements allowing officers to perform limited immigration enforcement duties in the field.
The program has drawn criticism from civil rights organizations concerned about racial profiling, community trust, and diverting officers from traditional police responsibilities.
Cowles acknowledged that Joplin would need to examine potential costs, officer responsibilities, and the effect on routine policing before moving forward.
He wants you to weigh in before they do anything concrete.
Cowles then issued a new statement Friday after his proposal generated some heated discourse online.
"I've seen a lot of discussion about my suggestion that Joplin look into a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Unfortunately, much of it has turned political, and that's not what this is about for me," Cowles said. "We have immigration laws in this country, and I believe those laws should be enforced lawfully, fairly, and civilly. That shouldn't be a Republican or Democrat issue."
