A sporadic but steady stream of honks came from drivers riding between Broad Street and East M.L. King Boulevard in response to almost 150 protesters who gathered at the edge of Miller Park in Chattanooga.
Protesters held signs Thursday that said, “Hamilton County Sheriff Cut Ties With ICE,” and others led the crowd in a chant.
“Sheriff Garrett, get a clue, history is watching you,” they chanted.
Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has said he sees helping the federal government carry out its immigration law enforcement work as consistent with his commitment to keep the community safe, so long as his office could spare the staff.
“People come to this country for a better way of life or for the American dream,” Garrett said during a February meeting of the Chattanooga Rotary Club. “I’m focusing on the people who are here to cause a nightmare. These are the people that are committing violence, and they’re here preying on people.”