Campbell County, VA – August 22, 2025 – The American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) has recognized Sheriff Winston “Whit” Clark, Campbell 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 Clark on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, at the National Center for Healthy Veterans, Altavista, VA. The Campbell 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 Clark 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 a great privilege to receive the Defender Award from (Ret) Lt. Col. Allen West and the American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU). As a Sheriff, I took an oath to defend and uphold the laws of our constitution, honor the rule of law and protect our citizens. I stand firmly by my oath. It was an honor to meet a great leader and soldier (Ret) Lt. Col. West.” said Sheriff Clark
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
