KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Commissioner Andy Fox wants the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to join the Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Task Force model, which would allow them to be more active in immigration enforcement.
KCSO is already participating in the 287(g) program’s jail enforcement model, which allows it to identify and process people who are in the country illegally who are already in jail on other charges. Joining the task force model as well would allow officers “to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties,” according to ICE.
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“With the Task Force model, local law enforcement is authorized to be proactive, instead of merely waiting for illegal aliens to come across the desk, so to speak,” Fox said. “Harm from illegal immigration to Knox County citizens does not only occur when a crime is committed. Illegal aliens use up medical resources at emergency rooms that cannot decline services on the basis of citizenship or ability to pay, they tax educational resources, often commit social security fraud, and compete for housing and jobs with Americans and legal residents. There is nothing noble or redeeming about illegal immigration.”
A resolution on the Knox County Agenda Committee agenda on Wednesday would have the Knox County Commission consider encouraging KCSO to undertake a memorandum of understanding for the task force model. Fox also said he plans to speak with Sheriff Tom Spangler about this…