Jeff Fortenberry: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ensure that appropriate funds are provided for the 287(g)…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ensure that appropriate funds are provided for the 287(g) program in this bill. The Federal Government must have well-equipped partners to address interior enforcement concerns. However, the bill does not state specifically all funds for the 287(g) program, which would allow for robust law enforcement capacity. I want to ensure the record reflects that the administration's request is $68,321,000 and that this bill supports the President's request. Citizens nationwide are rightfully demanding secure U.S. borders and enforcement of our immigration laws. The desire, Mr. Chairman, in many places across the country to strengthen interior enforcement points to an overwhelming perception throughout the Nation that the Federal Government is not as effectively as possible addressing serious security concerns such as the pernicious criminal activity related to illegal immigration in the border region. We need to better empower States and local law enforcement, and the 287(g) is a very important program. In 1996, Congress enacted section 287(g) as an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide necessary immigration enforcement assistance to State and local law enforcement entities. It authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with State and local law enforcement, equipping them through thorough training to perform important immigration enforcement functions.…”