RE: Norris Resolution Requesting 287(g) Agreement with Federal Immigration Enforement // OFFICIAL STATEMENT

PRESS RELEASE
Written By Chase Lindsey

The Anderson County Democratic Party strongly opposes the resolution scheduled for a vote by the Norris City Council on Monday, June 9. This resolution would formally request that the Anderson County Sheriff enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), authorizing local deputies to carry out immigration enforcement functions.

This would effectively turn Anderson County law enforcement into an arm of federal immigration enforcement - using local taxpayer dollars to perform federal duties inside our jail.

Let us be clear:
This is not just a Norris issue.
This is a policy with countywide consequences, proposed by one city without public input from the people it will directly affect and who will ultimately foot the bill.

If enacted, this resolution would:

  • Ask Anderson County deputies to screen individuals for immigration status, issue detainers, and initiate deportation proceedings.

  • Burden Anderson County taxpayers with the cost of training, staffing, detention, and legal liabilities - despite this being a federal policy.

  • Damage public trust and hinder local law enforcement’s ability to build safe, cooperative relationships in every part of our county.

Communities that have adopted this model, such as Knox County, have seen the consequences firsthand:

  • Crime reporting decreases as residents fear contact with law enforcement.

  • Families are separated over minor offenses.

  • Local resources are diverted from community needs to a federal enforcement agenda.

These outcomes do not make Anderson County safer - they make it more divided, more fearful, and more financially strained.

The financial reality is clear:
The federal government authorizes the enforcement, and Anderson County pays for it.
This is an unfunded mandate that shifts federal responsibility to our local budget and away from our local priorities.

We respect the Norris City Council and the process of local decision-making. But this resolution asks another elected office - the Anderson County Sheriff - to take on significant new duties with substantial fiscal and operational consequences for the entire county. Decisions of this magnitude must be made with transparency, full public input, and the participation of all Anderson County residents.

We urge the following:

  • Norris residents: Attend the city council meeting on Monday, June 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Norris Community Building (20 Chestnut Dr.) and make your voice heard.

  • Anderson County residents: Contact Sheriff Russell Barker and ask whether he supports using our local deputies for federal immigration enforcement, and whether he believes your tax dollars should pay for it.

This is not about left or right.
It is about right and wrong.

Anderson County law enforcement should remain focused on protecting our communities - not carrying out federal policies that divide families and drain our local resources. We call on all public officials to vote no, speak clearly, and act in the best interests of the people of Anderson County.

Anderson County Democratic Party
Chase Lindsey, Chairman

 

Supporting Documents

To learn more and review the official documents yourself, here are the key materials related to this resolution:

Contact Your Local Officials

If you are concerned about this resolution, reach out to your city leaders and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Tell them you oppose turning our local deputies into federal immigration agents, and that Anderson County tax dollars should stay focused on local needs.

Norris City Council Members

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

  • Sheriff Russell Barker

    • 865-457-6210

  • Administrative Assistant Mia Bounds

    • 865-457-6287

Chase Lindsey
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