WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of a Senate confirmation hearing today, more than 60 law enforcement leaders have signed a letter urging the swift confirmation of Harris County, Texas, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Sheriff Gonzalez, a Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force co-chair, was nominated to lead the immigration enforcement agency earlier this year. Letter signatories highlight Gonzalez’s support for targeted enforcement priorities, denouncement of family separation, and advocacy for a permanent solution for Dreamers as indicators that he would “prioritize both public safety and the dignity of immigrants” as ICE director.

“We believe Sheriff Gonzalez would lead ICE with acute knowledge of local law enforcement realities and compassion for vulnerable immigrants,” the letter reads. “Confirming Sheriff Gonzalez will ensure that ICE prioritizes enforcement against those who pose public safety or national security threats, and that local law enforcement agencies can focus their limited resources on community safety.

“We believe Sheriff Gonzalez’s pragmatic and sensible leadership would be an asset to ICE. We support Sheriff Gonzalez’s nomination and urge that he be confirmed promptly.”

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