City council, commission say they don’t have authority in sheriff partnership with ICE

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over immigration continues here in Chattanooga, especially over the Hamilton County Sheriff Office’s partnership with ICE.

The Sheriff’s Office partners with ICE via the 287 (g) immigration enforcement program.

This authorizes some deputies to take on immigration related duties normally reserved for ICE agents.

City council members such as Ron Elliott and Jenny Hill say since the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is not under their jurisdiction as a body, they cannot ask them to leave the 287 g ICE enforcement program.

Councilman Elliott said, “We hear you, we hear your concerns, but also our hands are tied.”

According to data released from the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, over 500 undocumented immigrants that were arrested in Hamilton County have been turned over to ICE.

Councilmembers say the Chattanooga Police Department is not actively participating in this program.

Councilwoman Hill said, “In this instance what I’m learning is that our powers are limited as a city council, and even as a  Chattanooga Police Department, and even as the mayor of our city, but that does not change the heart of our community and the work that we do for our neighbors.”

However, at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission following more complaints from residents who want the Commission to put pressure on Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett, Commissioner Jeff Eversole said that they don’t have the authority to tell Sheriff Garrett to end that partnership with ICE.

Eversole said, “The sheriff’s office is an elected position. They can do contracts. They don’t have to come to this body… We don’t have oversight on the operations of the sheriff’s office or corrections, just like we don’t have control of the operations over the school system, we are the funding agent.”

City council members say they trust the administration to handle the situation with care.

Councilman Cody Harvey said, “I think you’re gonna be rather surprised when you see the numbers come out next week. What you get in the city of Chattanooga is going to be order and discipline. It’s not going to be chaos.”

A presentation on the city’s approach to this issue will be held during next Tuesday’s City Council meeting.