NW Kentucky News

Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace and Chairman Glenn Grothman are investigating the refusal of Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving illegal aliens booked in county jails. The lawmakers have requested all documents and communications related to instances where the Charleston County Sheriff's Office did not transfer custody of illegal aliens to ICE before their release.

"The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating why some local law enforcement officials—yourself among them—are refusing to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure that illegal aliens booked into your jails pending criminal charges can be taken into custody by ICE prior to their release," wrote the lawmakers. "This refusal to cooperate endangers local residents."

Sheriff Graziano has rescinded a previous agreement allowing sufficient hold time for ICE, as well as refused at least 51 detainer requests from ICE, according to data from the agency. This includes a case involving an individual charged with two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor who was released back into the community. Representative Mace presented documentary evidence regarding these issues during a hearing titled "The Border Crisis: The Cost of Chaos" on September 25, 2024.

"Due to your actions, ICE has designated Charleston County a 'non-cooperative' institution for refusing to detain criminal aliens long enough for ICE to take custody of them," continued the lawmakers. They warned that if Sheriff Graziano does not provide the requested documents by November 15, 2024, they may consider additional measures, including using compulsory processes.

The letter addressed to Sheriff Graziano can be accessed here.