County Signs Agreement With ICE to Assist with Immigration Enforcement

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has joined Operation Lone Star, a state-led effort to combat illegal immigration.

The Fayette County Commissioners Court approved an agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and dozens of other agencies participating in Operation Lone Star at their meeting last Thursday, Nov. 143.

The Commissioners signed off on a memorandum of understanding and interlocal agreement that will allow the Sheriff’s Office to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with federal immigration enforcement. Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek selected Deputy Cody Williams to coordinate Operation Lone Star efforts in Fayette County.

“It’s going to be directed towards the people that are here illegally but engaging in organized criminal activity, smuggling narcotics, money laundering, stolen illegal firearms, human trafficking and violent offenses,” said Deputy Cody Williams.

“That program is going to give us an additional approximately $300,000 dollars in federal funding and that’s going to be used for anything that the Sheriff’s Office needs,” Williams said.

Williams said deputies will receive 40 hours of training to ensure proper execution and implementation of the program. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office will be subject to certain reporting requirements.