TENNESSEE — A recent operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents resulted in 29 people being located in Sullivan County, according to local authorities.
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Andy Seabolt said the operation began Wednesday and was aimed at removing individuals who had been previously identified by federal authorities. Seabolt said those targeted were suspected of having ties to dangerous criminal gangs or had criminal charges and extensive criminal histories.
Of the 29 people located, four had previously been deported, Seabolt said.
Since December, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has assisted ICE through two components of the federal 287(g) program: the Task Force Model and the Warrant Service Officer Model.
Under the Warrant Service Officer Model, certain sheriff’s office personnel are certified to serve administrative warrants on individuals already in custody at the county jail. Under the Task Force Model, trained officers may exercise limited immigration enforcement authority during routine law enforcement duties and assist ICE when requested.
Seabolt emphasized that the sheriff’s office does not determine who is classified as an undocumented immigrant or entered into federal immigration databases. He also said the office does not decide who is subject to arrest or removal based on immigration status.
No additional details about the individuals located were immediately released.
