Bristol County Sheriff Opposes Biden Pick for ICE Director

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson is among a small group of U.S. sheriffs who have signed a letter declaring their opposition to President Biden's nominee for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement director, Texas sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

In the letter, the seven sheriffs cite concerns with Gonzalez's record as sheriff of Harris County, Texas, including the fact that he ended his office's partnership with ICE, opposed Texas' ban of sanctuary cities, and barred his deputies from assisting in immigration raids.

They stated his legacy "demonstrates very clearly his opposition to enforcing our nation's immigration laws as currently written," calling him "the last person who should be confirmed to lead ICE."

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The sheriffs sent the letter as leaders of the group "Protect America Now," which aims to spread awareness on issues such as illegal immigration, infringement of second amendment rights, and taxes, according to its website.

Hodgson has previously supported ICE by signing an agreement allowing his officers to act as immigrations agents in a limited capacity and allowing the agency to house detainees at the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth.

But in May, ICE terminated its contract with Hodgson's office after a report from state Attorney General Maura Healey found Hodgson and his staff had violated detainees' civil rights during an altercation in 2020.

President Biden named Gonzalez as his nominee for the ICE director position in April.

Gonzalez underwent a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on July 15, with the decision still to come.