Thread: TN:Sheriff Gobble: Illegal Immigration Update

Opinion
April 30, 2009
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Sheriff Gobble: Illegal Immigration Update
by Sheriff Tim Gobble
posted April 30, 2009

I often hear from citizens who express to me their concerns about illegal immigration. There is not a lot that local law enforcement can do about this problem because of the federal government's failure to properly secure our borders, and the restrictions on local authorities' ability to act as immigration officials. However, where we can act, we do.

For example, the BCSO routinely checks to verify citizenship or legal status of every person who is arrested for a crime in Bradley County and processed into the jail. If we cannot verify their legal status through our Criminal Alien Program (CAP), they are turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation after they have completed their sentence or when their case has otherwise been adjudicated.

Last year, which is the first year we began doing this, the BCSO turned over 49 people to ICE for deportation; and so far this year, we have identified 12 more and they, too, have been turned over to ICE. By doing this, we are sending a clear message that Bradley County is not an illegal alien sanctuary.

I believe one of the first requirements of citizenship is that a person obey the laws of the land. When someone intentionally comes to this country in violation of these laws, they have failed one of the basic tenets for granting citizenship. The BCSO is doing everything legally possible to deal with the illegal immigration problem. If you are not happy with the illegal immigration policies of our state and nation, make your feelings known to your representatives in Nashville and Washington, DC. It is their duty and responsibility to listen to you.

Bradley County is a great place to live. We welcome all people into our community, and we welcome them openly. But we do expect that residents be here legally and they conduct themselves in a law-abiding manner.

Speaking of the jail, the first week in May is designated as "National Correctional Officers Week." I am glad to use the opportunity to express my appreciation and support to all BCSO Corrections staff here at the jail. They do a great job every day under circumstances that can be, at times, difficult, and my hat is off to them.

Since the 408-bed Bradley County jail opened five years ago this month, it has consistently retained certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. In fact, the results of our current annual inspection are now in and, again, no deficiencies were found. The state inspector checks for compliance in 14 categories covering all aspects of jail operation and inmate care, and we meet or exceed those minimum requirements in each of the 14 categories.

The fact that autonomous inspectors confirm the jail is in compliance with state requirements also helps to prevent frivolous inmate lawsuits, which, though unwarranted, can result in huge costs to taxpayers. Again, congratulations to Captain Gabe Thomas and all the men and women who work so hard with very little recognition.

The month of May also marks another special day. May 1st is designated as Loyalty Day and set aside to reaffirm our loyalty to the United States and "for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom." Loyalty Day was first observed on May 1, 1921, as "Americanization Day." The movement caught on and by 1930, approximately 10,000 members of Veterans of Foreign War held a big rally in New York's Union Square to promote loyalty and patriotism. A resolution was passed in 1949, and the following year Americanization Day became Loyalty Day, with festivities taking place across the country from April 28 to May 1st, with over five million people across the country celebrating. On July 18, 1958, Congress officially named May 1 as Loyalty Day.

In my opinion, America remains the greatest nation on earth. The reason for that is the American spirit. We have a passion for freedom in this country that has been challenged time and again. We have met every challenge with determination and national unity, and the American spirit has always prevailed. I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on the bounty we enjoy and acknowledge the good we have done over the last two centuries, here and abroad.

Visit the BCSO on-line at: www.bradleysheriff.com. You can write us at: 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland 37311, or email: comments@bradleysheriff.com

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_150180.asp

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187 creating "National Correctional Officers Week". Since then, the first full week in May is recognized as "National Correctional Officers Week" to honor the work of correctional officers nationwide. In 1996, Senate Resolution 242 designated "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week". In recent years, it has also been shortened to "National Correctional Employees Week". Regardless of the name, many federal, state and local agencies will observe this week, beginning on May 3, 2009, with ceremonies and special events to acknowledge the work done by the men and women serving the field of corrections and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

http://community.nicic.org/blogs/jails/ ... -week.aspx

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Loyalty Day
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Loyalty Day
Observed by United States
Date May 1
Celebrations Special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom[1]
Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.

Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Statutory definition
3 References
4 See also

History
The holiday was first observed in 1921[2] as "Americanization Day,"[3] and was intended to counterbalance the celebration of Labour Day on May Day (May 1), an internationally celebrated holiday which was perceived as communist.

Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in several U.S. communities, although many people in the United States remain unaware of it. Although a legal holiday, it is not a federal holiday, and is not commonly observed.

It was made an official holiday by the U.S. Congress on July 18, 1958 (Public Law 85-529).[4][5] Following the passage of this law, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day. [6]

In 2007 President George W. Bush issued an official proclamation of the May 1, 2007 Loyalty Day in accordance with the 1958 Congressional declaration,[7] as have many of his predecessors:

Bill Clinton, proclamation 6556 (May 1, 1993) [8]
George H. W. Bush, proclamation 5962 (April 28, 1989) [9]
Ronald Reagan, proclamation 4836 (April 14, 1981) [10]
Jimmy Carter, proclamation 4493 (March 23, 1977) [11]
Gerald Ford, proclamation 4354 (March 4, 1975) [12]
John F. Kennedy, proclamation 3528 (April 18, 1963) [13]

Statutory definition
Loyalty Day is defined as follows in 36 U.S.C. § 115:

(a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.
(b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty_Day

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TITLE 36 > Subtitle I > Part A > CHAPTER 1 > § 115Prev | Next § 115. Loyalty Day
How Current is This? (a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.
(b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
(1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and
(2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/36/u ... -000-.html