May 15, 2025

Increase in ICE Arrests in Hamilton County

News Summary

Hamilton County has seen a significant rise in arrests turned over to ICE, primarily due to traffic violations, particularly DUIs. Most detainees hail from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. The local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE has prompted community concerns regarding immigration enforcement and its implications. Amid rising arrests, discussions about better compensation for magistrates and other local governance issues continue.

Chattanooga

Over the course of 2025, Hamilton County has witnessed a significant uptick in the number of individuals arrested and subsequently turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since January 1, more than 117 individuals have been detained, primarily due to traffic violations, with DUI charges making up nearly half of these transfers.

Arrest Demographics

The majority of those detained originate from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Out of the total arrests, traffic violations accounted for approximately 17 percent, while 10 percent of detainees were charged with violent crimes, which included serious offenses such as sexual assault and domestic violence.

287-G Agreement and Law Enforcement Actions

The arrests in Hamilton County have been conducted under the 287-G agreement with ICE, enabling local law enforcement to identify individuals living in the country illegally. This cooperation has resulted in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office proactively participating in ICE transfers.

Notable Arrests

Among those arrested, specific cases have been reported by the Chattanooga Police Department. For instance, James Dewitt Brooks, age 35, was taken into custody for violating traffic laws, which included an expired registration and driving on a revoked, suspended, or canceled license. Details regarding another individual, Travis Lee Brooks, whose address was noted as 122 Heuer St., remain scant, with no further information available concerning his charges.

Historical Context of ICE Transfers

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been consistent in its actions, averaging 41 individuals transferred to ICE each year between 2021 and 2024. The noticeable rise in arrests and ICE transfers has been attributed to various factors, including a recent high-profile case involving Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a Dalton college student who was detained by ICE following a traffic violation.

Community Concerns and Discussions

As the number of arrests and immigration checks continues to rise, community members have expressed growing concerns about the implications of these actions. Specific discussions have emerged regarding the increased awareness of immigration statuses during such detainments. The community’s agitation highlights the need for the local government to address and evaluate the processes involving immigration enforcement and local law enforcement partnerships.

Additional Context on Local Governance

Notably, alongside these immigration-related developments, there have been ongoing discussions about the need for higher pay for magistrates at the Juvenile Court. These magistrates have been recognized as the lowest-paid attorneys in Hamilton County, prompting calls for financial reevaluation.

Related Local Issues

The city council recently denied a rezoning request for a troubled property located at 920 Forest Ave., a decision taken amid community opposition. Additionally, a financial report released in April noted that all departments in the county remain under budget, a situation communicated by town consultant Brooke Pippenger from Lookout Mountain, TN.

In summary, the arrest report for Hamilton County indicates a noteworthy increase in the number of individuals turned over to ICE, predominantly for traffic violations, while raising significant discussions around immigration enforcement practices and community implications.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

East Ridge Student Arrested Again in Domestic Violence Case
New Principal Assignments Enhance Student Achievement
Hamilton County School Board Approves Teacher Raises Amid Voucher Controversy
University of Tennessee System Faces Major Funding Cuts
Chattanooga Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder and Carjacking
University of Tennessee Faces Major $37.7 Million Funding Cuts
Hamilton County Schools Appoints New Principals to Enhance Leadership
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Recommended as First Female Chancellor of UTC
Chattanooga: Pedestrian Hospitalized After Collision with Vehicle
Multiple Arrests for Violent Crimes and Drug Offenses in Hamilton County

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

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