Protesters target Waukesha County Sheriff over controversial 287(g) program

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Protesters lined the street outside of the Waukesha County Sheriff headquarters on Thursday.

They're upset because the sheriff has applied for participation in the controversial 287(g) program.

That program gives sheriff's deputies the power to work with federal immigration officers, allowing them to detain undocumented immigrants.

"This decreases safety I think here and it sends the message to people who have been part of our community for 40 years that they're not welcome. I just think that's, as a person of faith, that's not where we need to go," said Rev. David Kraemer of the United Unitarian Universalist Church.

Sheriff Eric Severson says he's not trying to create a local immigration force trying to deport people who don't commit crimes.

A decision on the sheriff's application is expected sometime this month.

Stay with CBS 58 News for more information as this story continue to develop.