Wake County Sheriff’s Office

Raleigh, N.C.
Contact: Eric Curry
Public Information Officer
Wake County Sheriff’s Office
Eric.Curry@Wakegov.com
919.291.2095 mobile

Statement
Friday, February 8, 2019

Sheriff Gerald Baker’s response to comments made earlier today, by ICE Atlanta Field
Office Director Sean Gallagher:

“ICE Director Gallagher has a difficult job. I’m sure his under a lot of pressure with regards to
immigration reform and enforcement, but the Wake County Sheriff’s Office has no role in
immigration enforcement. It is the responsibility of ICE and other related agencies to enforce
immigration laws. I understand how sensitive this matter is to families. The Wake County
Sheriff’s Office enforces state and local laws, while ICE enforces federal laws.

Let me be clear, it’s makes no difference whether a person is in this country legally or illegally,
if he or she breaks any law in this county, they will be arrested and prosecuted.
Any individual released from the Wake County Detention Center has met requirements of bail set
by the courts. We release individuals by order of the courts.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office will continue to maintain the valued, professional law
enforcement relationships we have with many federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF,
and of course, ICE.

As Sheriff of this County, I will continue to work with all agencies, as proscribed by the duties of
my office, to keep the citizens of Wake County safe.” – Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker
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