Following an outcry from the public over Haitian migrants seemingly showing up in Sylacauga overnight, Mayor Jim Heigl assured his constituents the migrants were there legally for employment.
Heigl further stated the Haitians had been "model citizens" and asked actual citizens to welcome them to town.
When asked who told him Haitian immigrants were brought to Sylacauga for employment legally, Heigl told 1819 News, "It came out from the governor's office and also came from Mike Rogers' office, Katie Britt's office, and also from Tuberville."
However, the governor's office denied that claim and said they have not received communication from the federal government.
"Our Office has received zero facts or communication from the federal government on any situation in Sylacauga or any recent immigrant issues, for that matter," said Gov. Kay Ivey's communications director Gina Maiola. "I am also not aware of any specific communication from our staff to local officials on this issue."
"Separately though, Alabamians and Americans all over the country are rightfully concerned over the current Biden-Harris pro-illegal immigration policies," Maiola continued. "No doubt this is a contributing factor to the concerns of people in Sylacauga and other areas."
"People are on high alert," she said. "Governor Ivey will continue taking action to enforce the law, doing everything in Alabama's authority to secure the U.S. Southern Border and protecting our citizens from the harmful effects of illegal immigration, and as she has said before, this November election is more important than ever."
Tuberville's office did not confirm or deny the claim by Heigl but said due to current policy, there is less vetting of those who cross the border.
"While it's not possible to determine the means by which each person from Haiti got to Alabama, the Biden administration's abuse of parole authority has allowed millions of people into the country with minimum screening and vetting, exposing U.S. citizens to safety and security vulnerabilities," said Mallory Jaspers, with Tuberville's office. "Senator Tuberville believes it is imperative that we end abuses of parole and secure the border."
State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga) said Tuberville was very responsive to his concerns and said he has been working to find out more information about the migrants in Sylacauga.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
