Marshall County Traffic Operation Results in 14 Immigration Custodies, Sheriff Says
Marshall County, Ala. — Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims says 14 individuals were taken into custody by immigration officials following a traffic saturation operation conducted last week in several areas of the county.
According to a statement released by Sheriff Sims and reported by The Sand Mountain Reporter, deputies and investigators carried out the operation on Thursday, December 11, in areas including Douglas, Horton, Albertville, and Nixon Chapel. During the detail, deputies made contact with multiple individuals who were unable to provide identification or whose documentation could not be verified as legal United States citizenship.
Sheriff Sims noted the operation was conducted under the authority of Senate Bill 53, Act No. 2025-453, which went into effect October 1. The law requires local law enforcement officers to check the citizenship status of individuals who are lawfully stopped or detained when there is reasonable suspicion of unlawful presence, and to notify federal immigration officials when legal status cannot be verified. The law also establishes a felony offense for knowingly transporting an undocumented immigrant into Alabama, with limited exceptions.
Over a six-hour period, immigration officials took 14 individuals into custody, according to the sheriff. Of those, 12 had prior criminal histories that included offenses such as DUI, fraud, domestic violence, and drug distribution and possession. Three individuals were charged with felony re-entry after previously being deported. Authorities said 13 of the individuals were Guatemalan nationals and one was a Mexican national.
In his statement, Sheriff Sims said deputies were carrying out their legal duties and oath of office.
“We as law enforcement officers are bound by the law and the oath of office to enforce the law here in Marshall County,” Sims said. “We will do so with empathy and compassion to the best of our ability, but the law will be enforced.”
Sims acknowledged immigration remains a complex and long-standing issue, adding that while he believes many individuals come to the United States seeking a better life, the process must be done legally. He encouraged those without legal status to pursue lawful pathways to remain in the country.
“Until immigration law is changed or updated, we must operate under the law,” Sims said.
The sheriff emphasized the department’s intent to continue enforcing state law while striving to treat all individuals with fairness and compassion.
https://weisradio.com/2025/12/01/sheriff-phil-sims-announces-bid-for-re-election-in-marshall-county/
