A controversial immigration proposal in Morristown has heightened fears of racial profiling among some community advocates.

The town is trying to deputize some of its police officers as federal immigration officers. The federal program is run by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. If Morristown is accepted into the program, its officers could gain the right to check immigration statuses and charge undocumented people with violations.

Opponents of the program fear it may increase racial profiling. Immigration advocates are concerned popular gathering spots for day laborers will be targeted by the new immigration agents.

If the program is approved, Councilman Timothy Jackson says Morristown might see immigration officers on the streets by the end of the year. The exact training costs associated with deputizing each police officer are not yet known.

For an extended interview about the immigration program in Morristown, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.