State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) provided an update this morning on the recent sightings of several Haitian immigrants departing charter buses in Marshall County.
Last week, videos quickly began to circulate on social media causing concern among locals that illegal immigrants were being transported via bus to live in the area.
“Last week, I was made aware of concerns regarding chartered buses dropping off migrants throughout my district in Marshall County. Since then, I have been in regular communication with our local, state, and federal leaders to obtain information and guidance on the issue.”
“While I am still researching the issue at hand, I have gathered the following information:
“The buses are chartered by local industries to take employees to and from work in Marshall County to as far away as Russellville. It is not unusual for these businesses to use vans to transport employees, but they recently changed to buses which is what led to the heightened attention when people in the community witnessed migrants getting off buses downtown. I have been informed the company who chartered the buses will stop that practice immediately.”
RELATED: State lawmakers call for action following immigrant drop-offs in Marshall County
According to Colvin, the groups observed exiting the buses are in the U.S. legally.
“Regarding the immigration issue itself, the Haitian immigrants in our area claim refugee status with the federal government which allows them to enter our country legally. Immigration — legal and illegal — is not a new issue for our community.”
He emphasized his understanding of the shortfalls of illegal immigration but stressed that racist comments are not justified.
“The impact of immigration has always been a top concern of mine because I have seen first-hand the stress it causes to our schools, housing market, and infrastructure. Since I took office, I have worked with our schools and leaders in Montgomery to secure funding for bilingual aides in our schools.”
“I will continue to address this issue with local, state, and federal leaders. It is critical that a new administration is elected in November to crack down on the border and immigration.”
“‘Let me also be clear on this — while personally I am frustrated with the policy failures of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and their impact to our community, I will not tolerate the racist and hateful comments I have seen. I have been deeply disappointed by some of the comments I have read on the Internet. Racism has no place in our society, and I unequivocally condemn acts of hatred and intolerance.”
“Next week, I will be meeting with local and federal leaders to identify a solution,” said Colvin. “I will provide more information in the coming days and weeks.”
The increased level of concern from citizens comes at a time when the Biden-Harris Administration has openly bussed illegal immigrants to areas all across the country,
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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