Berrien County Sheriff Faces Pressure Over ICE Agreement
Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Hite is under scrutiny after advocates called for the cancellation of his agreement with Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). This agreement allows the sheriff’s department to release jail inmates to ICE upon request, a move that has stirred significant concern within the immigrant community.
During a public meeting at St. Joseph City Hall, advocates voiced their worries, claiming that the 287(g) agreement fosters a climate of fear among local immigrants, deterring them from participating in public life due to the threat of detention. Sheriff Hite clarified that the agreement applies solely to individuals who have been arrested for any reason and are subsequently admitted to ICE custody.
“This agreement influences only those inmates who are already incarcerated and have active warrants,” Hite explained. He stressed that his department does not engage in immigration enforcement and does not inquire about the immigration status of residents during routine operations.
Highlighting the limitations of the agreement, Hite noted that the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office has participated in only one of three possible “modules” under Section 287(g), specifically pertaining to detaining inmates as required. He expressed disinterest in adopting other more expansive modules, describing them as “too far gone.”
Attendees at the meeting, however, expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of clear responses. One woman challenged Hite, questioning whether he could justify the actions taken under the agreement on behalf of the community without seeking their input.
Hite’s comments came amid rising concerns about the potential for racial profiling and the disproportionate impact of the policy on minority groups. A letter from members of the immigrant community was presented to Hite during the meeting, urging him to reconsider the agreement, citing fears of racial profiling and its chilling effects on community trust.
Despite accepting the letter, Hite did not commit to any changes regarding the agreement. He did, however, express appreciation for the opportunity to clarify its implications, reiterating that the Sheriff’s Office remains independent from ICE’s enforcement operations.
State Rep. Joey Andrews, present at the event, acknowledged his disagreements with Hite but commended his willingness to engage with concerned citizens. Andrews emphasized the broader issue at stake, suggesting that the current landscape of immigration policy undermines trust between communities and local law enforcement. He warned that continued erosion of this trust could lead to deeper social divides.
This public event was organized by We the People Action Fund, highlighting the growing movement to challenge local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration agencies and advocating for more inclusive practices.
