The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor said in a Facebook post that it has partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the agency’s 287(g) program.
The post said agents from the auditor’s office who participate in the program will assist with immigration enforcement if needed. It also said the office found illegal immigration costs taxpayers more than $100 million a year and that officials want to stop what they called a waste of taxpayer funds.
The 287(g) program allows ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement authorities to state and local law enforcement officers after training and a formal agreement, according to federal descriptions of the program. The program has been used by multiple jurisdictions at different times for identifying and processing migrants in local custody.
The state auditor’s office is the agency responsible for auditing public funds and ensuring financial compliance in state government. The announcement represents an expansion of activities by an office primarily known for fiscal oversight. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
