Memphis, Tennessee, January 28, 2026
Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner have publicly responded to claims of the city’s collaboration with ICE on immigration enforcement. Mayor Young refuted these claims, emphasizing the city’s stance on local control over immigration matters. Sheriff Bonner affirmed that the Sheriff’s Office does not detain individuals based solely on immigration status. Community organizations raised concerns about the fear instilled in immigrant communities due to perceived cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, advocating for the termination of such agreements.
Memphis, Tennessee: Mayor and Shelby County Sheriff Address ICE Enforcement Practices
Memphis, Tennessee – In recent developments, Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner have publicly addressed the city’s collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following statements from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Mayor Paul Young’s Response
Mayor Young released a video statement on Monday, refuting claims that the city has cooperated with ICE on immigration enforcement. He emphasized that Memphis has not engaged in such collaboration, countering Secretary Noem’s assertion that the city’s partnership with federal law enforcement led to a significant reduction in crime rates. Mayor Young’s response highlights the city’s stance on maintaining local control over immigration matters.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Position
Sheriff Bonner, who has served as the 47th sheriff of Shelby County since 2018, reiterated that the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office does not detain individuals solely based on their immigration status. The office continues to honor requests for notifications from ICE but does not hold individuals without a warrant or probable cause. This approach aligns with the county attorney’s advice that new Tennessee laws governing sanctuary cities do not apply to Shelby County or the Sheriff’s Office.
Community Concerns and Advocacy
Community organizations, including Vecindarios 901 and MICAH Memphis, have raised concerns about the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities in Memphis. They argue that the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE has instilled fear among residents, leading to decreased participation in community activities and increased anxiety about potential deportations. These groups advocate for the termination of any agreements that facilitate such cooperation, urging local authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents.
Background Context
The debate over local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement has been ongoing in Memphis. In 2025, the Shelby County Attorney advised that new Tennessee laws governing sanctuary cities do not apply to Shelby County or the Sheriff’s Office, allowing for continued collaboration with federal agencies like ICE. However, this stance has been met with criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, who contend that such cooperation undermines trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, potentially deterring individuals from reporting crimes or seeking assistance due to fear of deportation.
Conclusion
The recent statements from Mayor Young and Sheriff Bonner underscore the ongoing tension between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement policies. While local officials maintain that their actions are within legal parameters, community advocates continue to call for a reevaluation of these practices to ensure the safety and trust of all Memphis residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Mayor Paul Young say about Memphis’s collaboration with ICE?
Mayor Paul Young released a video statement on Monday, refuting claims that the city has cooperated with ICE on immigration enforcement. He emphasized that Memphis has not engaged in such collaboration, countering Secretary Noem’s assertion that the city’s partnership with federal law enforcement led to a significant reduction in crime rates. Mayor Young’s response highlights the city’s stance on maintaining local control over immigration matters.
What is Sheriff Floyd Bonner’s position on ICE enforcement?
Sheriff Bonner, who has served as the 47th sheriff of Shelby County since 2018, reiterated that the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office does not detain individuals solely based on their immigration status. The office continues to honor requests for notifications from ICE but does not hold individuals without a warrant or probable cause. This approach aligns with the county attorney’s advice that new Tennessee laws governing sanctuary cities do not apply to Shelby County or the Sheriff’s Office.
What concerns have community organizations raised regarding ICE enforcement?
Community organizations, including Vecindarios 901 and MICAH Memphis, have raised concerns about the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities in Memphis. They argue that the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE has instilled fear among residents, leading to decreased participation in community activities and increased anxiety about potential deportations. These groups advocate for the termination of any agreements that facilitate such cooperation, urging local authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents.
What is the background context of the debate over local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement?
The debate over local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement has been ongoing in Memphis. In 2025, the Shelby County Attorney advised that new Tennessee laws governing sanctuary cities do not apply to Shelby County or the Sheriff’s Office, allowing for continued collaboration with federal agencies like ICE. However, this stance has been met with criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, who contend that such cooperation undermines trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, potentially deterring individuals from reporting crimes or seeking assistance due to fear of deportation.
What is the current status of the collaboration between Memphis authorities and ICE?
The recent statements from Mayor Young and Sheriff Bonner underscore the ongoing tension between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement policies. While local officials maintain that their actions are within legal parameters, community advocates continue to call for a reevaluation of these practices to ensure the safety and trust of all Memphis residents.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mayor Paul Young’s Response | Refuted claims of Memphis’s collaboration with ICE on immigration enforcement, emphasizing the city’s stance on maintaining local control over immigration matters. |
| Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Position | Clarified that the office does not detain individuals solely based on immigration status, aligning with the county attorney’s advice regarding sanctuary city laws. |
| Community Concerns and Advocacy | Highlighted concerns from organizations like Vecindarios 901 and MICAH Memphis about the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities, advocating for the termination of agreements facilitating such cooperation. |
| Background Context | Provided context on the ongoing debate over local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement, including the Shelby County Attorney’s advice and criticism from immigrant advocacy groups. |
| Conclusion | Summarized the ongoing tension between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement policies, with community advocates calling for a reevaluation of practices to ensure the safety and trust of all Memphis residents. |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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