The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor says it has partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the agency’s 287(g) program, according to a Facebook post from the office.
The post says auditor’s office agents participating in the program will assist with immigration enforcement “if needed” and asserts that illegal immigration costs taxpayers more than $100 million every year. The post adds the office wants to stop what it called a waste of taxpayer funds.
Under 287(g), ICE authorizes selected state and local law enforcement officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision. Participation in the program varies by jurisdiction and is governed by agreements between local agencies and ICE.
The state auditor typically oversees audits of public funds and works to ensure accountability in government spending. The office framed its participation in 287(g) as a measure tied to fiscal concerns, though the program has previously drawn criticism from immigrant advocates and civil rights groups over civil liberties and community trust issues.
Details about the scope, timeline and oversight of the auditor’s participation were not included in the post. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
