JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – State Auditor Shad White (R-Miss.) announces his office has signed an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to White, Office of the State Auditor (OSA) agents will be trained and approved by ICE to execute functions of immigration enforcement within the state if needed.

“ICE agents and the Trump administration are working hard to stop illegal immigration, and they need every law enforcement officer willing to assist in their corner,” said White. “Two agents from my office volunteered to be trained in immigration law enforcement and to assist ICE whenever they are short-handed in this area, and we are grateful for the chance to serve in this way.”

White said OSA’s partnership with ICE is part of the nationwide 287(g) program, which will give OSA agents access to ICE resources and training. He also said the agents participating in the program will continue their responsibility of conducting criminal investigations into misspent government funds.

“Last year our team found illegal immigration costs Mississippi taxpayers around $100 million per year in public education, healthcare, and criminal justice expenses,” said White. “So, if we can go anything to stop this by helping ICE, we will do it.”