(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 1, 2021) – Today after newly sworn-in Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor announced his office is opting out of the anti-immigrant 287(g) program as well as disbanding the Rapid Response Team in Gwinnett’s jail, Gwinnett County Commissioner Kirkland Carden commended the move.

The 287(g) program has long been an issue in Gwinnett County because of its anti-immigrant nature in a county that is well known for its diversity and large immigrant population, said Carden, adding that while some backers of the program allege it might help prevent criminal activity, even studies from the right-wing CATO institute find these claims to be false.

“Ending Gwinnett’s participation in the 287(g) program and beginning the process of reforming the county’s jail is long overdue and I’m grateful for Sheriff Taylor’s swift action and leadership on this issue,” said Carden, who represents district 1 on the Board of Commissioners. “Since January of last year, I have been calling for serious changes to the controversial RRT, which has cost the county millions of dollars over the course of multiple lawsuits. My opposition to the disastrous 287(g) and the previous sheriff who supported it is well known. These are good first steps that show Gwinnett’s new Democratic leadership is committed to making Gwinnett a welcoming place for all those who want to help build a better tomorrow in Gwinnett, while also ensuring that our community stays safe.”