For Immediate Release
Contact: Media Contact, 202-459-0989
April 21, 2026
Three Sheriffs Become Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force Co-Chairs
Sheriffs from Arizona, North Carolina and Virginia will serve as new co-chairs of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF).
The newly announced leaders are Sheriff David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, Arizona; Sheriff Clarence Birkhead of Durham County, North Carolina; and Sheriff Sean Casey of the city of Alexandria, Virginia. Each is an existing member of the task force.
The three join co-chair Chief Ruben Quesada of Swampscott, Massachusetts.
“Trust between law enforcement and immigrants isn’t just good policy, it’s how we keep people safe. I’ve seen that throughout my career here in Santa Cruz County, and I look forward to emphasizing it nationwide,” said Sheriff David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, Arizona.
“Our security and community-centered law enforcement approaches are complementary. I look forward to prioritizing accountability while ensuring that contributors in our communities can live without fear,” said Sheriff Clarence Birkhead of Durham County, North Carolina.
“In Alexandria, we’ve built public safety on the foundation of trust. That means every community member, regardless of background, feels safe to engage with law enforcement. I look forward to uniting more law enforcement leaders around the shared goals of safety, trust and access,” said Sheriff Sean Casey of Alexandria, Virginia.
“The Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force will continue to advocate for immigration policies that prioritize our security and safety alongside community trust and human dignity,” said Chief Ruben Quesada of Swampscott, Massachusetts.
“Each of these leaders has worked to build trust, respect and safety across their communities, no matter community members’ immigration status. That keeps all of us safer,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, which facilitates the work of the LEITF.
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