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Sheriff says he will not enter 287 agreements; public urges county resolution on federal immigration enforcement
Summary
Public commenters urged the Marquette County Board to adopt a policy limiting local cooperation with federal immigration agents; Sheriff Zyburt told the board he will not sign 287 agreements and Chairperson Derocha said the board lacks authority to intervene in immigration law enforcement.
Chairperson Joseph Derocha opened the March 3 Marquette County Board of Commissioners meeting with a roll call and public comment period that centered on requests for a county resolution restricting cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Several residents asked the board to adopt—or report the status of—a formal resolution stating that county law enforcement will not collaborate with federal immigration authorities unless compelled by a court order. Katelynn Jensen asked the board for a public stance and a status update; John Gumaer read a federal-court ruling and stressed the importance of identifiable public officers, and other speakers raised concerns about detention centers and immigrant safety.
The board heard a direct statement from Sheriff Zyburt. "I will not be signing or entering any 287 Agreements with the U. S. Immigration and Customs Agency and remain committed to a Constitutional Balance and I call on every other agency to do the same and remain in their respective branch and their specific authority," he said. Undersheriff Larson provided department statistics for February, including an average jail population of 81 and 309 calls for service.
Chairperson Derocha described the limits of county authority over immigration enforcement: "As chair, I do not feel our board has the power to intervene on the immigration issue," he said, noting that county government must follow state and federal constitutions and laws.
Commissioners signaled differing next steps. Commissioner Numinen said he would propose a resolution for the board's consideration at the next meeting; Commissioner LaLonde publicly supported that step. Commissioner Nordeen said the board must decide what is best for Marquette County as a whole and indicated he does not see a current enforcement problem locally. Clerk Linda K. Talsma reminded the public of upcoming election logistics unrelated to the matter.
The public-comment exchanges closed after further residents thanked the sheriff and reiterated requests for a board stance. The board did not vote on a resolution at this meeting; Commissioners directed staff and members to bring the matter forward for consideration at the next meeting.
