COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Three Columbus residents spoke out Tuesday at Columbus City Council against the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office’s new 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing concerns about racial profiling and fear in immigrant communities. Sheriff Greg Countryman pushed back, saying the program is aimed at international drug cartels, not undocumented residents.
During the public agenda portion of the meeting, resident Amy Spencer said the “task force” version of the 287(g) program was discontinued in 2012 following documented civil rights violations and racial profiling.
Resident Ric Rivera, who said he was born in the United States, told council the agreement has changed how he views encounters with law enforcement…