Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor faces growing public pressure as he explains his office’s cooperation with ICE under Georgia’s new immigration law, HB 1105. On July 31, 2025, Sheriff Taylor stressed that this cooperation is not his choice but a legal requirement for all sheriffs in Georgia.
At a press conference, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office addressed concerns about how HB 1105 changes local immigration enforcement. Sheriff Taylor said, “I do not support HB 1105, but my office must follow the law.” He called the law “ambiguous” and said it forces his department to honor ICE detainers and help with transfers of people flagged by ICE.
What HB 1105 Means for Gwinnett County
- Mandatory ICE Cooperation: HB 1105, effective since 2024, requires every sheriff’s office in Georgia to work with ICE. This means they must honor ICE detainer requests, which are notices asking local jails to hold people for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release so ICE can pick them up.
- No Local Choice: Before HB 1105, sheriffs could decide whether to work with ICE. Now, the law removes that choice, making the whole state act like it’s under the 287(g) program, which used to let local deputies act as immigration agents.
- Sharp Rise in Detainers: Metro Atlanta jails, including Gwinnett, have seen a big jump in ICE detainer requests. One county jail received 190 requests in just three months, up from 32 in the same period last year. Gwinnett-specific numbers have not been shared yet.
Community Concerns and Demands
Six community groups, including Advancing Justice-Atlanta and the GALEO Impact Fund, have called for more transparency from the Gwinnett County Sheriff. They want clear answers about how the office works with ICE and how it handled the recent detention of journalist Mario Guevara, who remains in ICE custody despite having a valid work permit.
These groups are also asking for at least two public town halls before the new school year starts on August 4, 2025. They say the law is hurting trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making people less likely to report crimes or help police.
Civil Rights and Legal Questions
The detention of Mario Guevara has raised fears about civil rights violations. Advocacy groups warn that HB 1105 could lead to more cases like his, especially in diverse counties like Gwinnett. Lawyers and civil rights advocates are watching closely for possible legal challenges.
Official Responses and Next Steps
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association says there have been no major problems with ICE pickups under the new law. However, some law enforcement officials worry about the law’s unclear rules and the extra work it creates.
Community groups continue to push for public meetings and clear information. Sheriff Taylor says his office is following the law but wants to keep the community informed.
For more details on HB 1105 and official updates, visit the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over HB 1105 and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s cooperation with ICE will likely continue, with legal and community impacts still unfolding. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public forums.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining unauthorized migrants.
HB 1105 → Georgia state law requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE on immigration enforcement since 2024.
ICE detainer → A request by ICE to hold detainees up to 48 hours beyond release for federal pickup.
287(g) program → A federal program allowing local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement duties.
Gwinnett County Sheriff → Elected official responsible for law enforcement and jail operations in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
This Article in a Nutshell
Gwinnett County Sheriff Taylor faces public pressure over HB 1105, requiring mandatory ICE cooperation. Despite personal opposition, Taylor must follow the law. Community groups demand transparency after rising ICE detainer requests and controversial detentions, highlighting tensions between legal mandates and immigrant trust in law enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
