Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Tensions are rising in Sweetwater County as a local sheriff speaks out against harassment aimed at federal officers. It’s a story of respect and the law.

Tensions are rising in D.C. as lawmakers grapple with immigration enforcement changes and the looming threat of a government shutdown. This could hit home for many local residents.

Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office becomes the first local law enforcement agency in Wyoming to join the 287(g) Task Force Model. According to the sheriff’s office, it is an enhanced partnership that authorizes up to five sworn deputies to perform limited federal immigration enforcement duties, including investigations and arrests, under the supervision and direction of ICE.

The agency reports 788 active cases among the nearly 25,000 people it has in custody in about 200 facilities.

Officials say that shows about 130 less people were deported and about 350 less people were arrested compared to last year.

The case started March 20 when deportation officers arrested 11 illegal aliens at a construction site near Wyoming Boulevard and South Poplar Street.

Some alleged victims told investigators that Dr. Paul Harnetty often smelled of alcoholic beverages and he didn’t wear gloves during examinations.

On Oct. 7, the Wyoming Board of Medicine accepted his voluntarily relinquishment of his license because of a continuing investigation against him for wrongful practice.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal sentenced two Mexican nationals on Tuesday for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States, according to a prepared statement from the Wyoming U.S. Attorney's Office.