RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - There was strong opposition voiced by local residents......during the Rutherford County Public Safety meeting on Monday, August 25...

The discussion centered around the possibility of the Sheriff’s Office working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department, commonly referred to as ICE... Opinions appeared to be overwhelmingly against a pending agreement for Rutherford County to take part in the ICE-related program known as 287(g).

With no clear explanation provided by the Sheriff at that point in the meeting, public concerns continued to focus on the possibility of sheriff’s deputies working alongside ICE agents in making arrests in Rutherford County... However, the tone of the meeting shifted after an explanation of future possibilities was presented, along with a straightforward question from Rutherford County Commissioner Jonathan Beverly... The Sheriff then affirmed...

The primary concern among residents, elected officials, and law enforcement remains the pending 287(g) ICE agreement, which requires a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Despite ongoing concerns, Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh emphasized...

At this point, the agreement remains pending and has not yet been finalized for Rutherford County.

Sheriff’s officials noted that the potential agreement would primarily affect individuals already being detained in the jail as a result of committing crimes. A statement from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) emphasized, “Citizens of Rutherford County can be assured that the RCSO will continue to concentrate its efforts on enforcing state and local laws, as well as managing the care of those housed within the RCSO detention facility in a manner consistent with the history of the RCSO and its dedication to the community we serve.”

Sheriff Fitzhugh added, “I am not having our people going out and enforcing immigration law.”

Concerns have also been raised about potential overcrowding at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center if ICE detainees are added to the population. Less bed space could create additional lawsuits, as noted during the Monday meeting.

The most recent jail population numbers show 1,008 inmates, with 88.29% male and 11.71% female. Currently, 215 male prisoners are in state custody but are housed locally while awaiting court appearances or transfer. In contrast, only 10 females are being held for the state.

Opponents of ICE agreements often cite racial profiling, political unrest, costly lawsuits, and distrust between immigrant communities and law enforcement as major risks. Profiling, in particular, is one of the biggest concerns expressed by critics.

Across Tennessee, other counties and municipalities are already participating in ICE programs. These include: Sparta Police (287(g) program), Sullivan County (Warrant Service Officer model), Sumner County (Warrant Service Officer model), Putnam County (Jail Enforcement and Task Force models), Bradley County (Jail Enforcement Model), Cumberland County (Sheriff’s Office), Giles County (Warrant Service Officer model), Grainger County (Warrant Service Officer model), Greene County (Jail Enforcement Model), Hamilton County (Jail Enforcement Model), Knox County (Jail Enforcement Model and detention bed contract with ICE), Macon County (Warrant Service Officer model), and Morgan County (Jail Enforcement Model).

Full Statement Released by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office:

“Thank you for your inquiry regarding Rutherford County and the federal 287(g) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program.

As declared by Sheriff Fitzhugh during the Public Safety Commission meeting on August 25, 2025, the pending status of the 287(g) MOU with ICE will not create any changes in conduct pertaining to the Deputies of the RCSO but simply serve to clarify and streamline detention staff responsibilities. Additionally, those responsibilities have been ongoing for many years and affect only those individuals that are booked into the RCSO jail as a result of being arrested for committing a crime in Rutherford County.

Citizens of Rutherford County can be assured that the RCSO will continue to concentrate its efforts on enforcing state and local laws, as well as managing the care of those housed within the RCSO detention facility in a manner consistent with the history of the RCSO and its dedication to the community we serve.”