MACON COUNTY, Tenn. — Local officials are refuting misinformation about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting deportation raids in schools and churches, emphasizing that enforcement efforts focus only on individuals involved in criminal activity.
Sheriff Mark Wilburn and School Director Shawn Carter issued a joint statement to reassure residents that ICE will not be targeting schools unless searching for violent offenders or individuals engaged in criminal activity. The statement comes in response to concerns within the community over reports that ICE agents would remove individuals from schools and churches.
“ICE, or any other law enforcement, will not be entering schools searching for underage, illegal immigrants other than those who have been involved with criminal activity,” the statement read. Officials urged residents to avoid spreading false information, which they say has caused unnecessary fear among members of the Hispanic community.
While President Donald Trump’s executive order calls for the removal of undocumented individuals, federal efforts prioritize those with criminal records. Macon County law enforcement confirmed they will assist ICE in cases involving violent felons or criminal offenders but will not conduct random searches in schools or places of worship.
Authorities stressed their commitment to community safety and law enforcement, urging residents to focus on facts rather than rumors.