Jun 28, 2025 3 min read

This is in response to John Hopper’s June 24 letter to the editor of Washington, calling for the withdrawal of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office application to assist immigration and customs agents in rounding up illegal immigrants.

Under the 287(g) program, there are three different models of local involvement and it seems that ICE retains the cost burden associated with participation. Some of the models may actually save local taxpayers money by allowing the sheriff to surrender illegal immigrants to ICE custody, thereby reducing the inmate population in the county jail.

After some research, I am in favor of the program for several reasons:

– This is primarily for targeting violent illegal immigrants who are involved in serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, sex trafficking, murder, robbery, etc.

– Immigration laws exist for a reason, and it’s primarily to avoid the above crimes. These laws are not arbitrary and serve a purpose in keeping communities safe. Illegal entry into the country is not a civil offense; it is a misdemeanor to improperly enter the United States and multiple offenses make it a felony. If we accept that these laws serve a purpose, there must be an enforcement mechanism.

– The current administration has made it clear that it intends to vigorously enforce immigration law. The recent events in Los Angeles illustrate that. ICE agents were dispatched to execute lawful raids against criminal aliens (some of whom were involved in violent crime). They were undermined by both criminal elements and protesting civilians. As a result they sent in a national guard/military force. This would not have been necessary had the city and state supported their efforts.

– It is preferable to keep law enforcement local when possible. A locally elected sheriff who is responsible to the people is typically a better option to enforce laws rather than a faceless federal agency or the military. The state of Texas has embraced the idea of taking over enforcement of immigration laws and has been generally successful.

– This program seems to decrease cost to local law enforcement. It offers training and resources funded by the federal government. Even if it didn’t save local taxpayers money, I would still be in favor.

Hopper ended by saying “No Brownshirts in Washington County,” implying that ICE is the modern equivalent to Nazi tyranny. And therein lies the true issue. It’s not about saving taxpayer money, as he claims, but rather about a fundamental opposition to the enforcement of our laws.

Cameron Downer

Waynesburg