State and local leaders offered cautious support for a recent law-enforcement surge in Memphis while raising significant concerns about its immigration enforcement component and its ripple effects on county resources.
On WKNO/Channel 10’s “Behind the Headlines,” Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari and Shelby County Commission Chair Shante Avant talked with host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries about the impact of a multi-agency task force that includes state troopers, federal agencies, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Akbari, who represents Downtown Memphis, said increased Highway Patrol and federal law enforcement resources have long been requested by local officials to address violent crime, outstanding warrants, and traffic enforcement. “Anytime we can have additional resources that are coordinating properly with our city and our state officials, and particularly with MPD and Mayor Young, I welcome it,” she said. But Akbari drew a clear line at immigration enforcement, saying ICE activity has created fear in communities and diverts limited resources from addressing violent crime. “Being undocumented is not a crime. It is a civil offense,” she said…