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COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — An encounter at the Coffee County Jail on Wednesday, Jan. 21, has sparked questions about booking procedures. A man attempting to bail out his friend was reportedly told that the inmate could not be released due to what he believed was an immigration hold.

The Arrest and Booking

According to information provided by Sheriff Fred Cole in a Facebook post, GSP arrested three individuals on obstruction charges.

When the arrested individuals arrived at the Coffee County Jail, they went through standard booking procedures, per the sheriff.

Official Response from Coffee County Sheriff

Sheriff Cole clarified that the situation involved standard booking procedures rather than an immigration hold.

“This was NOT an immigration hold. It was a normal booking procedure,” said Sheriff Cole. “During booking, every person, regardless of race or nationality, is entered into GCIC to check for outstanding warrants or holds from other agencies. No one is allowed to post a bond until we receive that information back.”

Sheriff Cole added, “Once the check was completed, the situation was handled exactly the way the law and our policies require,” the sheriff’s statement continued. “Our staff did their jobs the right way. Professionally. Respectfully. By the book.”

Sheriff Cole concluded by stating, “everyone who comes through our doors is treated with dignity and respect—no matter who they are or where they’re from.”

You can reach the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 384-4227.

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