Mayor Kelly Girtz of Athens-Clarke County dismissed concerns about the county's refusal to cooperate with ICE following Laken Riley's murder, claiming they are not a sanctuary jurisdiction. The Sheriff of Clarke County threatened to protect his agency's integrity if the county did not address the issue. Girtz supports non-cooperation policies and believes illegal aliens are less criminally inclined than native-born Americans.
Key Points
Mayor Girtz denies Athens-Clarke County is a sanctuary jurisdiction
Sheriff Williams threatens to protect his agency's integrity over cooperation with ICE
Girtz supports non-cooperation policies and believes illegal aliens are less criminally inclined than Americans
Pros
Advocating for humane treatment of immigrants
Championing non-cooperation policies with ICE
Cons
Dismissal of concerns regarding cooperation with ICE
Disregard for federal laws and procedures
Perceived prioritization of migrant community over public safety