The Colbert County Sheriff's Office has received substantial funding after joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) 287(g) program in June.

The initiative allows local law enforcement across the country to partner with ICE as an extension of the agency's efforts to aid in tracking down and apprehending illegal aliens. Participating entities are awarded additional funding by the federal government as a means to help meet individual departmental needs.

According to a report from WAFF 48, the Colbert County Sheriff's Office was given nearly $130,000 as a result of its enrollment in the program.

Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine said the new funding has so far gone to transport vans and additional cameras inside vehicles. The remaining sum has been placed in a general

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