Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery told FM Talk 106.5's Sean Sullivan on Tuesday that his county has an illegal immigration problem affecting schools, public services and public safety.
"Absolutely, Baldwin County has an illegal immigration problem," Lowery admitted. "We don't pretend that we don't."
Lowery recently visited the U.S. southern border and learned how drugs are brought into the country. He said he was shocked at how much the cartel makes off American lives.
"The cartel is paid to bring that fentanyl into the United States," he said. What did we have? One hundred thousand people that died from fentanyl poisoning or overdosing last year? That's 100,000 without a shot being fired, from what I think most people would agree to be a strong enemy of the United States. So, that's troubling to me."
"Then when you hear the numbers that anywhere from 150 to 180 countries are actually illegally crossing the border into the United States," he continued. "So, when you hear that, that's even more concerning because that's when you're getting here, your Russians are coming in, Venezuelans and the Middle Eastern, you're having all these people that are not friendly to the United States."
Lowery said the cartel's budget far outweighs the United States Border Patrol's budget.
Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently inspecting Baldwin County facilities because the county houses inmates for ICE. Lowery said the process is a five-day, vigorous inspection.
Concerning gang activity, Lowery said Baldwin County is not immune. He said the sheriff's office is being proactive and has identified signs the dangerous and violent MS-13 gang is operating in the county.
"Yes, there are some signs of MS-13," he said. "It's not nearly what you're going to think about in bigger cities, but absolutely. You know, we have several different groups of people that are at least affiliated."
The shooting of a 16-year-old in Silverhill a few days ago is being attributed to gang activity. An 18-year-old and three juveniles were arrested.
"We did learn that a lot of those people are professionals," Lowery said. "They come in from other parts of the country, other parts of the state, and even some from adjoining counties come in for the May Day operations and the good times, but some of them are there for nefarious reasons, obviously too."
Illegal Glock switches being used in crimes are outlawed federally. However, Lowery said the state needs its own law to ensure law enforcement can hold suspects while the federal government processes cases.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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