Charges Dropped, ICE Steps In

A welfare check and foot chase that drew heavy attention across Sparta earlier this month has now shifted fully into the hands of federal immigration authorities after charges filed locally against four individuals were dismissed.

Records obtained by Main Street Journal - Sparta show the four individuals arrested by the White County Sheriff’s Office during the May 18 incident were later picked up from the White County Justice Center by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the District Attorney’s Office dropped the original county charges tied to the case.

The investigation began after a caller reported seeing what she believed were children being dropped off near West Bockman Way before walking across town carrying bags and giving conflicting explanations about where they were going.