A group of Metro council members voted Monday night to delete a controversial part of a proposed list of Nashville’s sheriff’s duties. They’re dropping the word “interrogation,” amid claims it would cement the sheriff’s role in deporting undocumented immigrants.
No one seems to be disputing it’s up to the sheriff to run Metro’s jail, and handle booking and courthouse security. But this summer the state Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the sheriff has the legal authority to help deport undocumented immigrants who are in custody.
It’s part of the ongoing controversy over the so-called 287(g) program.
Officials have said spelling out that role in the Metro charter isn’t the main goal of the measure, which could be on ballots this November. Before that it will need support from 27 of the council’s 40 members, although under state law they’ll have to wait another month before deciding.
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Sheriff Daron Hall is scheduled to make an announcement later Tuesday morning on future plans for 287(g), which is up for renewal this fall. UPDATE: Davidson County Sheriff Announces Exit From Controversial 287(g) Program
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