Local sheriffs push back against Tillis' 'sanctuary jurisdiction' claims

Senator Thom Tillis has released a map labeling nine North Carolina counties “sanctuary jurisdictions” for undocumented immigrants. Among them: Forsyth, Guilford, and Watauga. But local law enforcement officials are pushing back.

“That's not true, has no validity," said Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough.

Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman echoed the sentiment:

"Long story short, we are not a sanctuary county," he said. 

Both said their counties follow all federal and state laws regarding immigration enforcement. Kimbrough called any suggestion otherwise insulting.

“I think that some fact-checking should be done before you just spew information that's incorrect, that's divisive, serves no purpose, and has no factual basis," he said. 

Kimbrough says Forsyth County is currently detaining 22 people on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hagaman says Watauga complies with a state law that requires sheriffs to honor ICE detainers, though it’s rarely an issue.

“I could count maybe on one hand in almost 20 years where we've had detainers," Hagaman said. "There just weren’t any.”

Neither sheriff said they had received any direct communication from Tillis regarding his claims. The senator’s office has also not replied to an email from WFDD seeking comment. 

In his Facebook post sharing the map, Tillis said he plans to introduce legislation to “hold these sanctuary jurisdictions accountable.” No other details were provided.