Dozens of residents urge Rutherford County commissioners to end 287(g) cooperation with ICE

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dozens of residents used the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners’ Sept. 11 public-comment period to urge elected leaders to end or not expand the county’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a 287(g) agreement.

Speakers said the agreement undermines trust in local law enforcement and could expose the county to lawsuits, added operating costs and community harm. “I am terrified sometimes of our police officers. I'm a United States citizen and I have to carry 3 forms of identification on me at all times because I worry about my last name,” Rutherford County resident Amanda Hernandez said.

The comments came during the meeting’s public-comment segment after commissioners extended the allotted time so registered speakers could each take two minutes. Residents from across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County — including longtime local attorneys, teachers, students and representatives of immigrant-rights groups — urged commissioners to press the sheriff to withdraw from the arrangement or to adopt county-level limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Why it matters: Multiple speakers said 287(g) arrangements divert local resources to federal immigration enforcement, erode community trust and increase the risk of litigation. Attorney John M. Green, who said he has practiced law in Murfreesboro for almost 40 years, told commissioners: “The empirical and objective data have shown for many years that the costs to a municipality for such a relationship far outweighs any benefits, safety or otherwise.”

Speakers cited specific harms and national examples. Tatiana Silvis warned the county could “risk becoming a codefendant in a similar lawsuit” if it collaborates with ICE. Tatiana cited large jury awards in other jurisdictions as precedent for potential costs. Whitney Huffman, who said she votes in District 9, referenced federal research and local experience to argue the program does not reduce crime but increases jail and administrative costs.

Community advocates pointed to human impacts and public-safety tradeoffs. Luis Mata, government-relations manager for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and a Rutherford County resident, said, “For decades, every single model of 287(g) has shown us the same results. Families torn apart, trust between neighbors and law enforcement shattered. Our local resources drained.” Multiple speakers said immigrants already in the county contribute taxes and local labor and warned that fear of immigration enforcement deters victims and witnesses from contacting police.

Several commenters directly addressed Sheriff Fitzhugh’s public statements. Alex (last name not specified) said the sheriff “cannot somehow separate yourself ethically or morally from DHS while willingly and of your own accord doubling down on a partnership with DHS.” Speakers asked whether the sheriff’s office will receive federal funds tied to 287(g) duties and whether local practices would change for low-level offenses.

What the meeting record shows: The Sept. 11 transcript records extended public comment and extensive opposition to the 287(g) agreement but does not show a formal motion by the board to end or to modify the county’s relationship with ICE. Commissioners allowed the public-comment extension and heard speakers from roughly 9:05 p.m. through the subsequent public-hearing agenda item.

Voices at the podium: Speakers included Amanda Hernandez (Rutherford County resident, Smyrna), Alex (resides in Murfreesboro), Christine Jensen (zip code 37128), Ashley Binkarski (resident, District 21), John M. Green (attorney, Murfreesboro), Tatiana Silvis (North Spring Street resident), Jorge Avila (MTSU student), Patricia Haney (Murfreesboro resident), Luis Mata (government-relations manager, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Rutherford County resident), Abigail Watson (lifelong Murfreesboro resident), Whitney Huffman (District 9 voter), Arturo Salomon (Murfreesboro resident), Matt Ferry (Rutherford County resident), Anna Carina Lorenzana DeWitt (District 16 resident) and others who addressed 287(g).

Limits and next steps: The transcript does not record a board vote or directive to staff on the 287(g) arrangement; it records public concern and requests that commissioners act. Multiple speakers urged commissioners to seek transparency about any federal funding tied to the agreement and to consider terminating the county’s participation. The board did not vote on the topic during the meeting.

Community context: Public commenters referenced national and regional examples of litigation and alleged civil-rights harms tied to local cooperation with ICE. Several speakers said fear of enforcement has already deterred residents from calling emergency services and that increased enforcement resources would reduce funds available for local priorities.

The meeting record shows the board accepted public comment and then proceeded to scheduled agenda items, including a rezoning public hearing and a series of formal votes on resolutions and confirmations.