Eight deputies from Butler County, Ohio, are a new weapon for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It is the first Ohio agency to get involved in the 287g program, a federal program that trains local departments to help identify and start the deportation process for the hundreds of illegal immigrants who get picked up for committing crimes.

Some critics are concerned the program will hamper deputies’ ability to do their core duties, make immigrants fearful of reporting crimes, or that it could lead to racial profiling. Butler County Deputy Brayden McIntyre said the program only targets illegal immigrants who were brought in for other crimes.

As of right now, ICE has nearly 40 programs around the country, with more than 630 officers trained. So far, the program is credited with identifying more than 41,000 individuals with immigration violations.

Click on the slideshow to see them graduate.

- Megan Hughes, NEWS9