Statesboro and Bulloch County residents noticed a heavy police presence Friday night, leading to widespread speculation on social media about possible ICE raids. However, local law enforcement officials have clarified that the activity was part of a planned multi-agency operation targeting dangerous drivers and criminals.
Reports began circulating on social media Friday night as residents observed numerous traffic stops and checkpoints. Misinformation quickly spread, with some claiming the activity was connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Videos surfaced showing law enforcement officers bringing individuals to an enclosed cargo trailer parked at a local Dollar General, further fueling the rumors of an “ICE processing facility.”
Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputy and Public Information Officer Bubba Revell confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office participated in a joint operation with the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troop F Task Force. He emphatically stated, “This was NOT an ICE raid.”
Deputy Revell explained that such high-visibility patrols are routine for the Sheriff’s Office, with the increased GSP presence being the main difference Friday night. “Sheriff Noel Brown has a clear message for criminals: We will remove you,” Revell stated. “If you are driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, are a wanted person, or committing a crime, we are coming for you. Our community has a low tolerance for crime at any level, and we will go to whatever lengths it takes to ensure our citizens are safe.”
Addressing the source of the social media speculation, Deputy Revell clarified the purpose of the unmarked cargo trailer. The trailer, belonging to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, serves as a mobile DUI and drug testing unit. Equipped with everything needed to process suspects in the field, it allows for more efficient on-site processing. Individuals suspected of impaired driving were transported to the trailer for testing after being stopped at GSP and Sheriff’s Office checkpoints.
GSP Post 45 Sergeant Robbie Scott confirmed their participation in the operation, explaining that the Troop F Task Force, led by Corporal Dustin Stone, is comprised of experienced troopers from across the region spanning from Macon to Tybee, was deployed to Bulloch County. “Troopers throughout Troop F traveled in to Bulloch to help,” Sergeant Scott said.
The operation proved successful, resulting in 15 DUI arrests, two arrests of wanted individuals, and two felony drug arrests. Sergeant Scott expressed satisfaction with the operation’s impact on removing dangerous individuals from Bulloch County roads.
