Sheriff expects more immigration protests

Sheriff Todd Entrekin

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin says he anticipates there may be more immigration protests such as the one staged Monday at the Etowah county detention facility.  Entrekin told Etowah County Commission members Tuesday he has learned more protests around the country are planned in the coming weeks, and he believes the protest in Etowah County was a test for them.  About 100 people converged on the Etowah County Detention Center about 10 a.m. Monday and within a couple minutes, a protest was underway on the steps and walkway of the building. Seven who claim to be in the country illegally were chained to the doors, their arms connected with PVC pipe, wrapped in chicken wire and duct tape.  The protesters say they are demanding that President Barack Obama end the deportation of undocumented immigrants and begin comprehensive immigration reform.  Entrekin said he believes they chose the Etowah County facility because of its relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Entrekin said officials at the Etowah County Detention Center are working with immigration officials on many of the detainees, whose countries refuse to accept them. Entrekin said detainees in Etowah County face deportation, but are in custody because of criminal charges in other areas. The detention center has a contract with ICE to house criminal detainees, which are brought to the facility from other parts of the country. Seven of the protesters in Mondays event were arrested and later released on bond.  All seven were from outside the Etowah county area.