The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that deputies assisted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Forest Service during an enforcement operation along Wilson Creek on Sunday.
Some 13 people who were allegedly in the United States without legal authorization were taken into custody during the operation.
The names of those arrested have not yet been released. Federal officials say the enforcement action was part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
Update
On Tuesday, Caldwell County Sheriff Kevin Bean issued the following statement
“Reports claiming that children were separated from their families during the operation are false. No children were taken from their families during this enforcement action.”
“Our deputies were present to assist our federal partners as requested while continuing our commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone visiting Wilson Creek. We have maintained a strong and successful working relationship with federal law enforcement partners for more than 30 years at Wilson Creek. We want the public to have accurate information and not rely on rumors or misinformation being shared online. My commitment is simple, I will continue doing everything within my power to make Caldwell County a safe place to live, work, and play.”