To the editor:
The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County would like to thank Undersheriff Jim Kiessel for the clear statement that, as of January 21, 2026, the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office does not have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICE and does not participate in the federal government program which is used to give law enforcement officers the authority to perform certain civil immigration enforcement functions under the direction of ICE. (Leelanau Enterprise January 22,2026). Giventhehighdegree of public interest in immigration law enforcement, this transparency is very welcome.
We noted that an enforcement relationship with ICE may require authorization by the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, and that no such action has been proposed. As this situation unfolds, we look forward to continued transparency by the Sheriff’s office.
