Nov 22, 2024- In a move to combat illegal immigration and its impact on local crime, DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton Friday announced that his office will take a proactive role in removing individuals who are currently incarcerated at the DeSoto County Jail and are unlawfully present in the United States.
“The cost of illegal immigration should not be shouldered by Mississippi taxpayers,” said Barton. “The federal government has neglected its duty to enforce immigration laws, so it’s time for local officials to step up. When President Trump returns to the White House, his administration will have a partner in Mississippi on day one to ensure that individuals who commit crimes in Mississippi while unlawfully in the U.S. are promptly deported.”
The District Attorney’s Office will work closely with federal agencies and newly appointed Border Czar Tom Homan to create a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of criminal activity among illegal immigrants in DeSoto County.
To accomplish this, a formal plan will be submitted to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by Jan. 15. The plan will align with the priorities of the incoming Trump administration, ensuring a seamless transition to stronger enforcement of immigration laws under President Trump’s leadership.
“Venezuelan gangs, and who knows what else, are here in the Mid-South,” Barton remarked. “That is why I am committed to working alongside federal agencies, President Trump’s administration, and the military to ensure a tough, no-excuses approach to criminal activity by individuals unlawfully present in the United States.”
At present, 16 individuals are being held in the DeSoto County Jail for criminal activities unrelated to their immigration status, costing local taxpayers around $1,600 per day for their detention.
District Attorney Barton emphasized that this initiative is crucial not only for safeguarding local communities but also for reducing the financial strain on taxpayers caused by the incarceration of illegal immigrants.
