Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in federal, state and local races address leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on what the job is for.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

Immigration was readers’ most-raised topic, and they’re sharply divided. Some want Kansas to back ICE fully. Others want state officials to hold ICE accountable for how it treats people, including at a Leavenworth detention facility. What role should the attorney general play in immigration enforcement? Should the office ever investigate complaints about federal agents’ conduct in Kansas?

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:

Chris Mann (Democratic)

Immigration enforcement is primarily a responsibility of the federal government. The role of the Attorney General is to serve as a partner to local law enforcement and assist in keeping Kansans safe. As a police officer, I worked with federal partners, including the FBI and the DEA, on drug trafficking task forces and apprehending violent offenders. I know what a local-federal partnership is supposed to look like. In recent weeks, we’ve seen a complete lack of transparency and communication from federal partners with our local agencies. It is critical that local agencies are aware of operations so they can keep law enforcement and innocent civilians safe. As Attorney General, my focus will be on enforcing the law, supporting local law enforcement agencies, and holding violent offenders accountable, no matter who they are.

Kris Kobach has used the Attorney General’s office to try to mandate our local agencies to enter into agreements with ICE. This is simply not the role of the Attorney General. I trust our local sheriffs to make the decisions that are best for their communities, and I will work with local agencies to ensure they have the resources needed to hold violent criminals accountable and keep their communities safe. Local law enforcement is responsible for investigating any crime committed by anyone in their communities. The Attorney General does not have primary jurisdiction over most crimes. To the extent that anyone is violating Kansas law, they should be held accountable.

Kris Kobach (Republican, incumbent)

Did not provide the Post with a response.

Coming up:

Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:

The attorney general’s office is now prosecuting noncitizen voting cases referred by the secretary of state after checks against a federal citizenship database. Three cases had been filed as of May. Some readers want aggressive enforcement of potential voter fraud. Others note that courts found noncitizen voting rare and worry such actions will deter voting. What evidence should it take to bring charges? How would you make sure legal voters, including naturalized citizens, aren’t intimidated?