ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston Police Department has ended its participation in a federal immigration enforcement partnership after department leadership determined the program was not necessary based on current public safety needs within the city.
The department joined the federal 287(g) program in July. Administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the program allows participating state and local law enforcement officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement functions under federal direction and oversight.
Anniston Police Chief Clint Parris said the department reassessed its participation after determining there was not a known illegal immigration problem within the city that warranted dedicating local personnel and resources to the additional responsibilities.
According to Parris, no arrests were made by Anniston officers through the 287(g) program during the department’s brief participation.
The department instead plans to concentrate its available resources on public safety issues affecting Anniston more directly, including violent crime and illegal drug activity.
City officials described the withdrawal as an operational decision based on staffing, resources and local law enforcement priorities rather than a political position.
The Anniston Police Department will continue working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies when appropriate. Parris indicated that ending the formal agreement does not change the department’s willingness to provide assistance when another law enforcement agency is conducting a lawful operation within Anniston and requests support.
The decision ends Anniston’s formal participation in the 287(g) program while returning departmental personnel and resources to locally identified public safety priorities.
