CHARLOTTE -- Members of the Hispanic community hosted a debate for Meckenburg County Sheriff candidates Wednesday night.

During the debate, Retired Charlotte-Meckleburg Police detective, Garry McFadden, and former police officer, Antoine Ensley, spoke about detention policies, the 287-g program, and how they would build better relationships with the immigrant community.

Ensley said he wants the department to be more transparent.

“It’s imperative that sheriffs office comes from behind shadows, from the detention center, our of the vehicles and be one with the community, all communities,” said Antoine Ensley, Mecklenburg County Sheriff candidate.

“Put your stuff in Spanish, bring the community in, and let them teach you the different cultures. I'm from Puerto Rice, Argentina and have the culture taught to us so we can better understand,” said Garry McFadden, Mecklenburg County Sheriff candidate.

Incumbent Sheriff Irwin Carmichael was invited to this forum but couldn't make it. 

Currently, there are 29,607 Hispanic voters registered in Mecklenburg County compared to about 19,557 in 2014.