Sherburne County’s decision to expand the jail to house more Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) inmates was met with protest during Tuesday’s County Board meeting.

 

Monday, the county submitted a proposal to expand the jail from 300 to 500 beds for ICE detainees. The proposal was in response to a request for proposal (RFP) by ICE to a number of potential law enforcement agencies.

 

Pastor Robin Raudabaugh of Union Congregation Church in Elk River, was the spokesperson for about 15 members of SARI, (Sanctuary And Resistance to Injustice),  a faith-based group that formed after it was learned the county was interested in expanding its ICE detention bed capacity.

 

In the past, members of the group have organized and participated in vigils at the Sherburne County Jail protesting the housing of ICE inmates at the jail.

 

Tuesday, the group stood in the boardroom and held small protest signs as Raudabaugh read a statement outlining their concerns.

 

“Residents of Sherburne County should be dismayed and appalled at the eagerness of county elected leaders to strengthen our relationship with a government agency that continues to separate families, takes children and violates court orders to reunite families.

 

“Sherburne County residents should be as dismayed and appalled as we are that our county jail holds approximately 75 immigrant detainees that by Sheriff Brott’s own admission have committed no crime and have no (criminal) histories.

 

She also said the RFP that was submitted was based on a “private deal between county officials on May 7 without any opportunity for public participation or public scrutiny.”

 

Sheriff Brott said that was inaccurate, since the discussion about the potential expansion took place during the May 7 county board workshop.

 

“It is open to the public. The agendas are posted publicly on the website,” he said. “They had every opportunity to come and participate at that time.”

 

Brott said there were also inaccuracies in some of the other statements about the ICE inmates. He said many of the inmates have criminal histories. Some are violent offenders. Of those who haven’t been convicted of a crime, many entered the U.S. illegally or had been previously deported.

 

“I disagree with their assessment that we are ripping families apart,” he said.

 

“Many of the detainees have committed additional crimes other than solely being in this country illegally.”

 

He said the county has always complied with any court order.

 

“We have never violated a court order. If a judge deems an individual to be released back in the community, that’s what we do,” said Brott. “We abide by the court order.”

 

Raudabaugh said the people should also be concerned that the group has contacted the commissioners, who declined to meet with constituents about the issue.

 

She also said the money the county could make from any contract with ICE is blood money.

 

“We come here not only because we are Christians, but because we have a strong moral compass that reminds us of the intrinsic value of every human life,” she said. “Money that is gained from the suffering and pain of another person is simply not worth it.”

 

Brott said he has reached out to the group a number of times and is willing to meet with Pastor Raudabaugh or anyone else who has a concern over the issue.

 

Brott said if the county’s proposal is selected by ICE, there will still be more public participation in the process.