HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. -- A North Carolina sheriff says his department plans to continue its agreement with U.S. immigration authorities. 

• Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin said his department will renew the agreement with the Department of Homeland Security
• During his re-election campaign last year, Griffin criticized the program
• He has also spoken about the intimidating effect the program has on the immigrant community

News sources report that in an email, Maj. Frank Stout said Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin said that after consideration, his department will renew the agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. 

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The statement says the 287(g) program allows for a law enforcement agency to enter an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division to quickly identify past encounters or records of an arrested criminal illegal immigrant.

During his re-election campaign last year, Griffin criticized the program but said he would evaluate it closely. He has also spoken about the intimidating effect the program has on the immigrant community, and he announced on Thursday that he will create a community liaison position to increase communication.