Weaselly Missouri Sheriff Tells ICE Protesters to Buy Sno Cones

Lincoln County Sheriff John Cottle, left, doesn't seem too sympathetic to concerns about federal immigration policies.


Earlier this week, a coalition of activists called for a protest at the jail in Troy, Missouri, used to house federal immigration detainees. Yesterday, the county office managing the jail sniped back with an odd demand: Prove you're good people by purchasing our sno cones.

In a press release posted to the department's Facebook page, Lincoln County Sheriff John Cottle set off a firestorm.

In the press release, the sheriff seemed to separate "our good citizens" who might counter-protest from those concerned about President Trump's immigration policy — a.k.a. "this group." He also suggested the only way the protesters could show they were intended to "peacefully protest" was to "put your money where your mouth is by supporting children by purchasing sno cones with a donation." Say what?

A little background: The Lincoln County jail in Troy, which is about an hour's drive from downtown St. Louis, has long had an "inter-government service agreement" with the feds, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to house detainees in its jail en route to other locations. In 2015, that included just 64 detainees.

Read more: https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2018/06/21/weaselly-missouri-sheriff-tells-ice-protesters-to-buy-sno-cones

Coercion?