Belknap County Sheriff Bill Wright received a letter of appreciation from Rep. Harry Bean (R-Gilford), chair of the county delegation, at his office on Wednesday afternoon. Delegation members recognized Wright for leading his department to be one of the first law enforcement agencies in the state to participate in a partnership program which allows collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program allows local law enforcement officers to detain anyone who is wanted by ICE. Of the county's 18 representatives to the Statehouse, 16 signed the letter. Rep. Charlie St. Clair (D-Laconia) and Rep. David Nagel (R-Gilmanton) did not add their signatures. Wright spoke to the role the sheriff’s office has in the program. His deputies are advised against detaining anyone if there is any question regarding their immigration status. The sheriff can also stop participation in the program at any time, for any reason. The program comes at no extra cost to taxpayers, and there is no required overtime work.
Rep. Harry Bean (R-Gilford), left, awards Belknap County Sheriff Bill Wright with a letter appreciation, on behalf of the county delegation, which Bean chairs, on Wednesday afternoon. (Daniel Sarch/The Laconia Daily Sun photo)
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