Sheriff Gobble: BCSO Rounds Up Illegal Aliens
by Sheriff Tim Gobble
posted October 2, 2008

July revenues generated by the BCSO for the Bradley County General Fund totaled $233,278.30. The bulk of this money came from housing state inmates ($112,805) and the county’s federal contract ($117,757.60), and does not include the monthly billings for the jail phone system and commissary; those figures are late coming in. This is an especially strong showing as it represents the beginning of fiscal year 2009. The BCSO averages over $4 million into the General Fund each year, which helps off-set expenses and saves taxpayer money.

I receive a number of inquiries from citizens who express concern about the problem of illegal aliens in Bradley County. A lot of people are probably not aware that the BCSO has identified 37 illegal aliens so far this year and all of them were sent to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. So we have been vigilant and responsive to the problem.

However, I am pleased to announce a new program that will help us become even more effective. The BCSO is now part of the Federal Criminal Alien Program which is offered by ICE. This program makes it easier for us to identify criminal illegals who are incarcerated, helps ensure illegals are not released back into the community after serving their sentence and opens the door for their deportation.

Over the past several years, there has been a noticeable increase in criminal offenders booked into the jail who cannot provide a driver’s license, social security card or any other authenticated immigration papers. Under this new program, Corrections deputies can routinely check the citizenship or immigration status of all new inmates booked into the jail. If, during the booking process, there are any questions as to the legality of an inmate’s status, we can now perform a more comprehensive background check through the ICE computer network. When a determination is made that an inmate is in this country illegally, ICE will file a federal detainer allowing us to hold the individual for pick-up by federal agents. Also, when a federal detainer is filed, the detainee becomes ineligible for bond. By law, we can only hold an illegal alien for 48 hours after the judicial process, so it is up to federal authorities to do their job and pick them up for deportation proceedings in a timely manner.

Although this is definitely a step in the right direction, there is still much to be done. The federal government needs to get the problem of illegal immigration under control by securing our borders and deporting in a timely manner anyone who is found to be in this country illegally. We have been called a nation of immigrants, and rightly so. I am a big supporter of legal immigration and I am proud of the cultural diversity that makes up the fabric of this nation. U.S. citizenship holds great value and carries with it many privileges and blessings. We diminish that value if we allow just anyone to come into our country in violation of our laws with no consequence. There has to be a demonstrated desire on the part of anyone immigrating to our great nation to adhere to and respect our country and laws.

It is imperative that the federal government reduce the bureaucracy, red tape and politics of legal immigration. The process needs to be streamlined to encourage lawful entry into this country instead of discouraging it. This will promote public safety and national security for citizens everywhere.

Lastly, don’t forget to come out next Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-5 p.m. at Stuart School (Keith & 20th) for the second annual Sheriff’s Family Day. Once again there will be free food, entertainment, air toys, a climbing wall, horseback rides, hayrides, exhibits and displays, and plenty of prizes and free giveaways. So far, we have over ten thousand dollars in giveaways and door prizes on hand, thanks to local merchants, sponsors and supporters. We honestly could not put Family Day together without the generous help and support from the businesses of this community. We try to acknowledge everyone who helps out and I hope you will keep them all in mind as you shop for goods and services.

This year we are going to have a pumpkin carving and/or decorating contest, so get creative with your pumpkins and bring them out. Judges will determine which are the best and prizes will be awarded. We are also delighted to have Nashville recording artist Davey Smith performing. Davey is an up and coming star in Nashville and you won’t want to miss him.

Non-profit, charitable and public service organizations that may wish to be a part of this year’s Family Day to distribute public service information still have time to get on-board. Contact Jennifer Johnson as soon as possible at (423) 728-7304 to see if your group qualifies.

This free outdoor event promotes positive community and family values and carries a strong anti-drug message. So bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the day with us. We look forward to seeing you all.

For more information about the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and our various programs, events and activities, visit our web site at: www.bradleysheriff.com. You can also contact us by calling (423) 728 7300, or writing to: Bradley County Justice Center, 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. If you would like to reach me directly, email me: comments@bradleysheriff.com

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_136348.asp