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By Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Wake County, N.C. The two challengers for Wake County Sheriff shared their plans to address illegal immigration, and neither will include a controversial federal program called 287(g).

The federal program allows foreign born people to be screened by deputies for their legal status.

Both contenders made it clear 287(g) is not the right policy. They both shared plans for more of comprehensive approach for Wake County.

There was fallout from the controversial 287(g) program in Wake County with protest and marches back in 2018.

Sheriff Candidate Donnie Harrison has used the federal program before during a previous stint as Wake County Sheriff, and if elected again he said he wont use it.

We know 287(g) was out of the window, said Harrison. It's just not working. it has taken too many to the cleaners that didnt do anything.

Candidate Willie Rowe said using 287(g) is not on his agenda and he wont use it.

That program is not cost effective and not productive in any way, said Rowe.

So whats the plan?

Harrison is calling on a universal background check where everyone arrested, no matter the age gender or background, will be checked for wants and warrants.

Everybody needs to go to the same process," said Harrison. "We want to make sure people know we are being fair to them and treating them the way they want to be treated.

Rowe said Wake County already has a similar universal background check that Harrison is proposing.

Instead Rowe would like to see an all inclusive approach from Congress on how to address illegal immigration.

"I call on Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform so we are operating at the same page," said Rowe. "People undocumented can come out of the dark into the light without the threat of deportation."

Both Harrison and Rowe agree that anyone arrested in Wake County needs to go through a background check to make sure they are not wanted by another sheriff office.

Original post:
Neither Wake sheriff candidate to support controversial immigration program 287(g) - WRAL News