'We don't want to release violent offenders': Sheriff details agreement with ICE agents in Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner announced Tuesday, Jan. 13, an agreement with federal immigration officials to implement what's known as the 287-G program. 

It deals with the handling of immigrants detained by ICE agents in Kenosha County. 

"What it does is it gives us lawful federal authority to house ICE detainees once their local charges are satisfied," said Sheriff Zoerner. 

The sheriff says this is really nothing new and it's not a reaction to anything. 

He did tell us he had a lot of conversations with activist groups and others since the 287-G announcement. 

"It's what we're dealing with in our country as you're well aware. So, it's one of the reasons for the press release. We're sitting with reporters today to make sure that you all know that we're not changing what we do -- just making sure Kenosha County's safe," said Sheriff Zoerner. 

Sheriff Zoerner says the agreement only applies to ICE detainees who are in lawful custody, violent offenders, felony drug offenders and repeat offenders. 

He says currently there are more than 700 inmates in the Kenosha County Jail and 24 of them are ICE detainees. 

"This is just another opportunity for us to ensure that no one gets out of custody prematurely," Zoerner said. "We don't want to release violent offenders back into our community."

One civil rights group, Voces de la Frontera, will protest the new agreement on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. in Kenosha's Civic Center Park, located at 900 57th Street.