Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE

From: Sheriff Todd Entrekin Date: April 8, 2011
Etowah County Sheriff’s Office

ICE TO STAY AT ECDC

Congressman Robert Aderholt spoke with Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin Wednesday afternoon, stating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made a decision to stay at the Etowah County Detention Center (ECDC).
The decision came after several months of meetings between the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama congressional delegation and ICE.
“Our sincere thanks and gratitude goes to Congressman Robert Aderholt and his staff for their hard work and dedication to keeping jobs and revenue in Etowah County,” says Sheriff Entrekin. “This is an example of how government should work. The moment we heard about ICE’s surprised us with a decision to move out of Etowah we called Robert. He jumped in with both feet to help and thanks to Robert leading the charge in Washington our voice would was heard and our story told to the decision makers at ICE.
“I want to applaud Congressman Aderholt’s work as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.” He continues, “Congressman Aderholt’s proven and effective leadership is needed in today’s government when America is facing continuous threats of terrorism against our nation’s security.”
This commitment safeguards more than 41 jobs and $5.2 million dollars in revenue for Etowah County.
ICE has committed to leave an average of 325 detainees in the Etowah County Detention Center indefinitely.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton met with Congressman Aderholt, and staff, for several discussions about resolutions to continuing our partnership with ICE.
“I believe the turning point of this decision came when I, along with staff members of Congressman Aderholt’s office, was able to sit down and personally meet with Gary Mead, the executive associate director for Enforcement and Removal Operations for ICE and Felicia Skinner, Atlanta Field Office Director,” states Sheriff Entrekin.
He adds, “I want to thank Director Morton for his leadership in this matter. His willingness to become involved in the situation shows the importance of the relationship between Etowah County and ICE.”
Sheriff Entrekin traveled to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 29th, for the meeting. During this time, he was able to present information that proves the ECDC is the most efficient and cost effective way to detain illegal immigrants.
“This decision was in no small part thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work daily at the Detention Center,” he adds. “Their professionalism is of the highest quality and they are to be commended for their excellent work.”
“The Etowah County Detention Center has provided exceptional detention services for generations.” states Sheriff Entrekin. “We look forward to the continuing working relationship with ICE to provide the same quality services that we have provided since day one.”
He continues, “The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is humbled by the way Congressman Aderholt championed our cause to ensure that Etowah County and Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to partner in its mission to protect our homeland. His diligent efforts brought forth positive progress for the employees and citizens of Etowah County. For that, we are forever grateful.”
--END--