GREENSBORO -- Both candidates in the North Carolina U.S. Senate race are focusing on immigration.

Earlier this week, Democratic candidate Kay Hagan met with several sheriff’s about the issue. Then on Thursday, Sen. Elizabeth Dole was in the Triad to talk with officials about the 287(g) program.

"These are people who are illegal aliens who have self-identified themselves because of their criminal behavior,” said Dole of those targeted by the program. “That's the purpose of this plan, to identify, to apprehend and to deport illegal criminal aliens."

Thursday, she spoke with the sheriffs of Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Forsyth and Alamance counties about the progress of the program. "As a new program evolves, you work together to anticipate what might be needed next, but I think it's been going very well,” said Dole.

Dole wants to see the program go state-wide, and has hopes other states will follow North Carolina’s model. “Six years ago it was like 26 deportations a month, and now it’s close to 500,” she explained.

Local sheriffs are prepared to lend a hand. “We’re going to work in making sure that this is a success in this area,” said Sheriff B.J. Barnes of Guilford County.

Hagan met with six sheriffs on Tuesday to talk about immigration issues. She supports the 287(g) program, but only if the federal government pays for 100 percent.