ICE and Local Police Collaborate in Controversial Detentions of Immigrants in Chatham County Georgia

On June 11, 2025, Chatham County police collaborated with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during two traffic stops near Savannah, leading to the detention of several immigrants. This marked a notable shift in local law enforcement's approach to immigration enforcement, as ICE agents were seen riding in patrol vehicles, a practice described as unprecedented by immigration advocates. While Chatham County police stated that these incidents were isolated and not part of a formal partnership with ICE, community leaders expressed concerns about potential racial profiling and the implications of increased cooperation between local and federal authorities.