Increase in Number of Individuals in Hamilton County, TN Arrested and Transferred to ICE
Since the start of 2025, Hamilton County, TN, has seen a significant increase in the number of undocumented individuals who have been arrested by local authorities and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The majority of the individuals who were arrested are from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. The rise in arrests of undocumented individuals comes after local law enforcement’s decision to cooperate with ICE. Currently, over 117 arrests have been made, where individuals are detained before being transferred to ICE.
If you have questions about your status in the country or if you would like assistance with another immigration need, please reach out to an Atlanta immigration lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc.
Hamilton, TN Law Enforcement 287(g) Agreement
It is no surprise that Hamilton County has experienced an uptick in arrests of undocumented individuals and, likely, will continue to see the number of arrested people increase as the year goes on. Hamilton County has been identifying individuals who are not legally authorized to be in the country, arresting them, and then giving them to ICE under the terms of the 287(g) agreement they have with ICE.
Counties across the country that have applied for and are in the ICE 287(g) program can choose one of three models to operate. They are:
- The Jail Enforcement Model is where individuals without U.S. citizenship who have criminal charges or pending criminal charges can be identified, processed, and transferred to ICE.
- The Task Force Model is the toughest enforcement model where state and local law enforcement can essentially act as ICE agents during routine police duties.
- The Warrant Service Officer, where state and local law enforcement may serve warrants to individuals already in jail, and if they are found to be undocumented, law enforcement can transfer them to ICE.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Jail Enforcement Model will be used.
Hamilton County and ICE Transfers Before 287(g)
Historically, Hamilton County has averaged transferring around 41 people to ICE every year since 2021. However, since 2025 has started, the push to remove undocumented immigrants in the country has become increasingly strong. The community should expect these numbers to continue to rise. As a result of the noteworthy increase in arrests and ICE transfers, some community members are feeling uneasy about what implications these actions may have.
Most of the arrests made in Hamilton County were a result of traffic violations with DUI charges.
Speak with an Atlanta Immigration Attorney Today
ICE is increasing its enforcement efforts to find individuals who are unlawfully in the country, detain them, and ultimately deport them. In Tennessee, and particularly in Hamilton County, ICE is partnering with local law enforcement to identify these individuals. Therefore, if you or someone you know is in the country unlawfully, it can be beneficial to speak to an attorney who knows U.S. immigration laws and how to help.
For a consultation to discuss your immigration needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. at 404-523-3611. One of our immigration lawyers in Atlanta, GA, can assist you.
Source:
ice.gov/doclib/287gMOA/287gWSO_HamiltonCoFl2019-10-15.pdf
