Federal records show 86 of 95 sheriffs across Tennessee have yet to enter into agreements with federal immigration officials after state lawmakers passed legislation in January authorizing the pacts to boost enforcement capabilities and staffing, drawing a challenge from a Tennessee House member.
Tennessee House Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, called out Tennessee sheriffs on social media Wednesday, urging them to “step up” and join the immigration agreement known as 287(g). At that point, eight of 95 Tennessee sheriffs had signed onto the program. Reeves is one of almost two dozen co-sponsors of the state bill authorizing the program in Tennessee, and a spokesperson from Reeves’ office said many sheriffs may still be unaware of the program.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement records show that as of Thursday, the total of participating or applying Volunteer State counties grew by one to include three in Southeast Tennessee — Bradley County, Hamilton County, and now, Grundy County. Another seven Tennessee counties, Giles, Greene, Knox, Macon, Putnam, Sullivan and Sumner counties, have signed agreements.
Participation is growing, according to Carson Burns, spokesperson for the Tennessee House Republican Caucus.
She noted Grundy County as the most recent applicant. A grant is tied to each agreement.