Prince William immigration policy to undergo revision

By: Cheryl Chumley | Inside NoVA
Published: October 12, 2009

Prince William supervisors Tuesday are expected to put in place a new directive from Homeland Security that will standardize how 287(g) immigration policies are implemented around the nation.

"[Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has made changes to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA), terminating the original agreement and requiring execution of a new and revised MOA," state background documents to the board, which will meet to discuss the issue at 2 p.m. at the McCoart Administration Building.

Supervisors have to authorize the police chief to sign and execute the new agreement.

The new agreement will not limit the number of officers eligible for 287(g) training and require ICE to give credentials for those who pass the course. It will also require the police department, as well as ICE, to perform background checks, according to the background documents.

Further: The new agreement states that "ICE must give approval for an immigration arrest where no state or local charges are made [and] ICE must give prior approval of planned operations where immigration enforcement is the sole function." One more revision "provides levels and types of criminal offenses that ICE directs to be a focus, rather [than] pursuing immigration enforcement based on specific charges," according to the background documents.

The cost of the 287(g) program to the county is not expected to change because of the new agreement, "unless additional officers are designated for training," the background documents state.

Also Tuesday, supervisors will receive a 2010 legislative program presentation from Dana Fenton, legislative director; a presentation on sound financial management from Chris Martino, with the finance department; and a presentation on 2012 strategic plans from Laura Mortell, with the office of executive management.

The board will consider the feasibility of a workforce development center at the Woodbridge campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

At 7 p.m. in the Development Services Building in Room 202, supervisors and Planning Commission members are set to gather for a discussion of Comprehensive Plan updates to the chapter on the environment. This meeting, too, is open to the public.

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-670-1907.