Greene County, VA – August 22, 2025 – The American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) has recognized Sheriff Steven S. Smith, Greene County, Virginia, as the recipient of ACRU’s prestigious Defender Award. This honor is awarded to law enforcement leaders who honor their constitutional oath to protect and to serve by working cooperatively with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to protect legal, law-abiding citizens from criminal illegal aliens.

ACRU Executive Director Lt. Col. Allen West presented the award to Sheriff Smith on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Stanardsville, VA. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office participates in the Task Force Model of the 287(g) Program.

According to ICE: “The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight…The 287(g) Program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state and local law enforcement.”

“Sheriff Smith exemplifies what it means to be a true defender of the law,” said Col. Allen West, Executive Director of ACRU. “This award acknowledges his leadership and dedication to preserving American citizens’ rights to safety and security through their partnership with the 287(g) program. All law enforcement agencies should take note and follow his lead to fully embrace the authorization afforded to designated officers through these models. Well done.”

“It was an honor to meet a true patriot like Colonel West. He is a strong supporter of Law Enforcement, and I appreciate that. The work he has done in the political world is greatly appreciated,” stated Sheriff Smith.

As their motto states, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office is “Putting Citizens First”.

For more information about the Defender Initiative and the American Constitutional Rights Union, visit theacru.org/defenders.

American Constitutional Rights Union is a non-partisan, non-profit public policy organization dedicated to defending all Americans’ constitutionally protected civil rights.

Questions:
Direct questions to Kristen McDougal, Kristen.McDougal@theacru.org