LCSO honored with Defender Award

The American Constitutional Rights Union recognized Sheriff Michael Chapman and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office as the recipient of ACRU’s prestigious Defender Award on July 11 in a ceremony held in Leesburg. This recognition is awarded to law enforcement leaders who honor their constitutional oath to protect and to serve by working cooperatively with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to protect law-abiding citizens from criminal illegal aliens. 

ACRU Executive Director Lt. Col. Allen West presented the award to Sheriff Chapman and expressed his appreciation for the excellent example they are setting for other sheriffs across the nation in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens.   

“Sheriff Chapman exemplifies what it means to be a true defender of the law,” said Lt. Col. Allen West, Executive Director of ACRU. “This award acknowledges the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Offices’ commitment and dedication to preserving American citizens’ rights to safety and security through their partnership with the 287(g) program. All law enforcement agencies should take note and follow their lead to fully embrace the authorization afforded to designated officers through these models. Well done,” stated Col. West. 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Senior Counselor Keith Pearson also participated in the award ceremony held at the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office training facility. Pearson said, “On behalf of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are excited to know that we have a great partner right here in the great state of Virginia, with Sheriff Chapman and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. It’s partnerships like this through our 287(g) program that allows us to send these illegal criminal aliens who have already victimized our citizens back to the country they came from. We want to thank the men and women of Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office for all they do to keep our community and country safe.” 

According to ICE, “The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight…The 287(g) Program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state and local law enforcement.” 

“I was honored to receive the ACRU Defender Award that recognizes the longstanding collaboration the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has with ICE and the entire Department of Homeland Security,” stated Sheriff Chapman.  

“Our deputies are fully committed to safeguarding our community and working with all of our federal, state and local partners to ensure that our residents stay safe each and every day. As law enforcement professionals, it is our core responsibility to uphold the Constitution, our oath of office, and to always protect those we serve,” he concluded.

For more information about the Defender Initiative and the American Constitutional Rights Union, visit theacru.org/defenders. 

For more information about ICE and the 287g program, go to:  Delegation of Immigration Authority Section 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act | ICE 

American Constitutional Rights Union is a non-partisan, non-profit public policy organization dedicated to defending all Americans constitutionally protected civil rights.