Chief Johnstone told the commission that Bradley County has a signed memorandum of agreement for the 287(g) jail enforcement model and that implementation will require nominating five to six deputies for initial training. He said the training takes about four weeks with additional online modules and that those deputies' authority under the program would be limited to processing people inside the jail; they would not have authority to act in the community.

Johnstone said trained officers could perform paperwork normally done by ICE agents to hold individuals and that transport of eligible detainees to regional facilities (Chattanooga) is part of the model; the state also has grant funding potentially available for a transport van. He cautioned the commission that training dates are pending and that the program had been placed on hold because of the federal government shutdown; he said he would return with an implementation plan and timing when federal guidance resumes.

Commissioners asked whether 287(g) would increase the jail population; the sheriff and chief said they would monitor population numbers and would not enter agreements that would exceed facility capacity. The sheriff said he would report back with a plan and any financial details at the next meeting.