The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office has announced a new partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce both state and federal immigration laws.
The collaboration, according to District Attorney Matthew Barton, mandates cooperation with federal authorities to expedite the deportation of undocumented immigrants who may threaten community safety.
Action is already underway. Last Thursday, Miguel Godinez was charged with attempted murder in Southaven and is now in ICE custody with the deportation process underway.
Furthermore, Barton’s office is actively coordinating with ICE to facilitate the deportation of 13 additional undocumented immigrants currently being held at the DeSoto County Jail. These individuals face charges that include DUI, drug offenses, child pornography, assault, and identity theft. Home countries include Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico. Collectively, they have spent 1,536 days in the county’s jail, costing taxpayers approximately $184,320 in housing expenses alone, not including costs related to prosecution.
“Every state is now a border state, creating significant issues for law enforcement everywhere. The border needs to be sealed,” Barton said. “Our message is clear: we will not allow undocumented individuals to compromise the safety and security of DeSoto County.”
The partnership between the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office and ICE not only aims to deport individuals who have committed serious crimes but also to safeguard the community from further harm and take away the financial burden on taxpayers for housing those who are in the U.S. illegally.
“We are committed to protecting our community and ensuring that those who break our laws are found and removed from our community. We will continue to work with ICE to ensure those illegal immigrants are sent back to their country of origin,” Barton concluded.
