Sheriff Jay Jones recently pushed back against what he described as a “fact-free” political attack from challenger Cam Hunt, defending the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s record on immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.
Jones’ response came after Hunt criticized the department’s handling of undocumented immigrants and suggested the office was not doing enough, pointing in part to Lee County’s lack of participation in the federal 287(g) program.
“Cam Hunt’s reckless accusations are not only wrong, they demonstrate his lack of experience and knowledge of operations within the Sheriff’s Office,” Jones said. “He clearly doesn’t understand basic law enforcement operations and is using the tragedy of an officer-involved shooting to intentionally mislead voters with a cheap political stunt.”
According to Jones, the Sheriff’s Office maintains what he described as a consistent and active working relationship with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The department notifies federal partners of undocumented individuals in custody on a near-daily basis, honors lawful detainers and facilitates transfers into federal custody.
Jones said those efforts have resulted in the deportation of “hundreds of illegal immigrants” during his tenure, which began in 1998.
Hunt’s criticism centered on the county’s decision not to participate in the optional 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision. Jones argued that Hunt’s position overlooks the administrative burden and potential liability associated with the program.
“The absence of 287(g) paperwork has never and will never stop our department from deporting illegal immigrants through direct, effective partnerships with ICE,” Jones said.
Jones also criticized Hunt for invoking a recent officer-involved shooting in his political messaging.
“Frankly, I find it offensive and disappointing that Cam Hunt has chosen to use this tragic incident to try and score political points,” Jones said. “His comments are not only false, they should concern every citizen of Lee County, as he has perfectly demonstrated his inability to separate politics and public safety. This is the kind of inexperience and political theater we cannot afford in the sheriff’s office.”
The exchange highlights a growing point of contention in the race, with immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities emerging as central campaign issues. Jones framed his record as one built on experience and established operational practices, while casting Hunt’s criticism as misleading and politically motivated.
