DeKalb Commission Withdraws Resolution Condemning ICE

Commissioners raised concerns about the mixed messages the resolution could send.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The DeKalb County Commission voted 4-3 to withdraw a resolution that condemned recent immigration enforcement efforts and said that immigration tactical teams are not welcome in the county. Some commissioners and staff raised concerns about the mixed messages the resolution could send, as the county lacks authority to control Immigration and Customs Enforcement or prevent the agency from coming to DeKalb County.

Why it matters

The resolution was introduced in response to fatal shootings of two individuals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis. It aimed to condemn these incidents and state that 'Operation Metro Surge' tactical teams are unwanted in DeKalb County. The withdrawal of the resolution raises questions about the county's stance on immigration enforcement and its ability to protect all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The details

The resolution was initially deferred several times before being withdrawn. Some commissioners and staff raised concerns that the resolution could send mixed messages, as DeKalb County lacks the authority to control ICE or prevent the agency from operating in the county. Commissioner Ted Terry, who introduced the resolution, argued that withdrawing it would make the county 'complicit' in the federal administration's actions on immigration. The resolution also included amendments supporting state and federal legislation aimed at restricting the actions of immigration enforcement officers.

  • The resolution was introduced in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in January 2026.
  • The resolution was deferred until January 27, 2026, and then again to February 3, 2026.
  • The commission held a special-called meeting on February 3, 2026, where they went into executive session for about 2.5 hours before withdrawing the resolution on February 10, 2026.

The players

DeKalb County Commission

The governing body of DeKalb County, Georgia, which voted to withdraw the resolution condemning ICE.

Ted Terry

A DeKalb County Commissioner who introduced the resolution and argued against its withdrawal.

Robert Patrick

A DeKalb County Commissioner who made the substitute motion to withdraw the resolution.

Renee Good

An individual who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis, which prompted the introduction of the resolution.

Alex Pretti

An individual who was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, which also prompted the introduction of the resolution.

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What they’re saying

“If we withdraw this resolution, we are conceding and we are becoming complicit. What this federal administration is trying to do [is] take over our elections. They're trying to deport 12 million people, most who came here legally and are caught up in a broken immigration system.”

— Ted Terry, DeKalb County Commissioner (Atlanta News First)

“These surges are occurring as Georgia becomes a national hub for mass detention, with the Folkston U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center expanding to become the largest such facility in the United States.”

— Ted Terry, DeKalb County Commissioner (Atlanta News First)

“Renee Good was shot in the head and killed on Jan. 7. On Jan. 13, this board received a non-binding resolution calling for the withdrawal of federal tactical teams in DeKalb County, like the one that took the life of Renee Good.”

— Jonathan Mann, Resident (Atlanta News First)

“These folks will make it where people, again, are too scared to vote.”

— Cheryl Dudley, Resident (Atlanta News First)

“Lying low in fear may be the smart play at this time, but it is not the right play. I do not like to live in fear, and I refuse to do so when I have a choice.”

— Stephen Binney, Resident (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.