Franklin County delays decision after heated public outcry over exploring ICE juvenile housing

Chairman Ricky Jones presided as the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners heard a request from the Sheriff’s Office to enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to open discussions with Sabot Consulting about housing juvenile detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Assistant jail administrator Captain Angela Millender told commissioners the requested MOU would allow the county and sheriff’s office to consult with Sabot as an independent advisor and oversight consultant to ensure compliance with ICE regulations and to be present for audits, inspections and other ICE interactions. Millender said the county was seeking only the MOU to begin discussions and that Sabot had agreed to negotiate contract language raised by the county attorney.

The item drew sustained public comment. Martha Harris, a retired minister, said detaining adolescents far from families is “unethical and immoral,” and urged commissioners not to “warehouse someone else’s children.” Attorney-turned-oyster farmer Kung Li told the board signing such a contract “puts this county in severe legal risk,” arguing that habeas corpus litigation has surged nationally and that jurisdictions that house ICE detainees are often named defendants in federal lawsuits. Multiple speakers described local residents detained in recent months and said closer collaboration with ICE has eroded trust and public-safety reporting in immigrant communities.

County Attorney Michael Shuler said he had reviewed the vendor paperwork and found several provisions he could not recommend as written: the documents named California law and arbitration as dispute-resolution methods, lacked a clear fee formula, and appeared to give the vendor broad indemnification. Shuler said the vendor had indicated willingness to accept redlines but that, as presented, he would not advise the board to sign the contract.

Sheriff AJ Smith told the board the county would not hire additional staff to make up shortfalls and that his office would only accept detainees if the jail could meet necessary standards. Captain Millender said Sabot had proposed providing mental-health counselors and other services, and she described existing in‑custody education and counseling programs.

Commissioners emphasized that the MOU under consideration was an information‑gathering step, not a binding contract. Commissioner Jessica Ward said she wanted full detail and time for review before any decision. Commissioner Cheryl Sanders and others said they were open to discussion but wanted legal and operational questions answered — including indemnity, venue, staffing, health records and whether detainees would be processed through juvenile courts or federal immigration channels.

Outcome: The board did not sign a contract. Commissioners directed staff and the county attorney to continue negotiating redlines and present a revised agreement and supporting documentation for further public discussion and formal board action.