Nearly 1,000 criminal aliens charged with immigration violations

ICE AND MECKLENBURG COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REACH MILESTONE IN PROGRAM TO DEPORT CRIMINAL ALIENS

CHARLOTTE, NC - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office announced today that nearly 1,000 criminal aliens had been identified and charged with immigration violations thanks to a partnership between the agencies. One hundred and twenty eight of those identified have already been deported.

U.S. Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) praised the early success of the program: “This new program changes how North Carolina responds to illegal aliens. This program provides us with some much-needed back up and real results.”

"The mission of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is to protect the citizens of Mecklenburg County," says Sheriff Jim Pendergraph. "I take those words very seriously. The 287(g) program is just another way to successfully remove from our country illegal aliens who prey on our citizens and commit crimes in our community."

“The ultimate goal of partnership is to improve public safety and homeland security, and the efforts here in Mecklenburg County are an example of how effective we can be when we work together,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Julie Myers. “Our message to those individuals who think they can break our immigration laws and prey upon our communities is simple: You are mistaken. Together, we will find you and deport you.”