JACKSON COUNTY, MI — A new coalition is hoping to convince the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to end its agreement with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

The Jackson County for Immigrants Coalition, or Condado de Jackson para Inmigrantes, is concerned the 287(g) program, which allows the county jail to hold immigrants for ICE, could lead to racial profiling, financial burdens for the community and department and division between residents.

“Community members are afraid,” Summit Township resident and coalition member Amador Ybarra said. “They’ve canceled the Hispanic Heritage Festival because they’re afraid to put a large number of people that have potentially immigrated to this country at risk.”

Jackson resident Gayla Ignacio started the group.

She has lived in Jackson for

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