September 28, 2026|0 commentsPaid Ad: Federal protected status for migrants ends after 16 years By DANIEL TAYLOR, 1819 News Ten Haitian nationals were arrested Tuesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Marshall County — the area’s first Haitian arrests since the Trump administration ended the country’s temporary protected status. With support from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Albertville Police Department and Guntersville Police Department, ICE New Orleans arrested 13 suspected illegal aliens. The remaining three were Guatemalan, an ICE spokesperson told 1819 News. “This was standard daily enforcement,” the spokesperson said. Sheriff Phil Sims said the number of arrests was typical for monthly operations. However, he noted that detaining Haitian nationals made it unique. Marshall County is home to more than 700 Haitians, according to a recent Associated Press report, attracted by local industry, including multiple chicken plants. Controversy exploded in Albertville in August 2024 when charter buses were seen picking up and dropping off suspected Haitians downtown. Temporary protected status for Haiti, which began in 2010, officially ended this July, resulting in thousands of Haitians facing deportation nationwide. The Sand Mountain Leader is your trusted source for weekly hometown news, serving the vibrant Sand Mountain community in the heart of Alabama. We're here to bring you the latest stories, events, and happenings, all available conveniently both online and in print.At The Leader, we believe that community engagement is essential. We want to hear from you, our valued readers! Share your opinions, insights, and thoughts on our articles by adding a comment below each story. Your perspective matters, and your comments contribute to the rich tapestry of discussions in our community.Together, we can foster meaningful conversations and build a stronger sense of community. Join us in shaping the narrative on Sand Mountain. Your voice is important, and we look forward to reading your comments. Let's make our community news a truly interactive experience!Have a story idea or a topic you'd like to see covered? Feel free to suggest it in the comments or reach out to our dedicated team. We're here to serve you, and your feedback helps us tailor our content to your interests and needs.More Stories from News