Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno has confirmed that a Memorandum of Agreement to enter into the 287(g) program has been signed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the 287(g) program for Monmouth County involves only the Corrections Division of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
The Corrections Division operates the Monmouth County jail in Freehold Township.
Because the program applies to corrections officers deputized and certified under 287(g), it will operate under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and will function solely within the booking process at the county jail.
According to the press release, the program will serve as a safeguard that an inmate is not released into the community prematurely.
“We simply ensure that if you are arrested and put behind bars, and you are an undocumented alien, you will be processed by federal authorities before being released,” Guadagno said.
As the Corrections Division moves forward with the federal program, certain corrections officers will be trained to guarantee strict adherence to the program and to assure the safety of the people of Monmouth County, according to the press release.
The training will be provided by, and at a cost to, federal authorities. The Corrections Division’s participation in the 287(g) program is anticipated to start in early 2010.
Guadagno is currently running for the position of New Jersey’s lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket with gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie.