GUNTERSVILLE– Marshall County deputies helped federal immigration agents carry out a weeklong operation across North Alabama, Sheriff Phil Sims announced Saturday, Oct. 31.
Sims reported approximately 180 arrests across Marshall, Franklin, Lawrence, and Colbert counties. He said deputies worked directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to locate and apprehend individuals.
“Our deputies were not simply providing support from the sidelines,” Sims said.
In its release, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office cited federal authorities’ accounts of those arrested. For example, the release cited criminal histories involving violent offenses, domestic violence, sexual offenses, and DUI convictions. The release also reported previous deportations among those taken into custody.
However, the approximately 180 arrests represent the total across all four counties. Although Sims said a portion directly affected Marshall County, the release provided no county-by-county breakdown or individual charge list.
Sims also described the operation as an example of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. He said the effort focused on enforcing the law and addressing public safety concerns, rather than race, ethnicity, or nationality.
At the same time, Sims said deputies must treat every individual with dignity and respect and conduct enforcement lawfully and professionally. He also pledged continued cooperation with ICE and other federal agencies within his office’s legal authority.
The sheriff thanked participating deputies, ICE agents, and other officers for their work and coordination.
An arrest is not a conviction. Anyone facing criminal charges is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.’
You must be logged in to post a comment.