A “deportation bus” is coming to Gainesville, care of Sen. Michael Williams.
The Forsyth County resident and Republican candidate for governor dropped a bomb in the middle of the growing debate about illegal immigration in the Republican primary. While other candidates are coming out with commercials or making position statements, Williams will be driving a bus covered with anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric around the state — beginning at his campaign office in Gainesville at noon May 16.
The bus will drive through Gainesville, Clarkston, Decatur and Athens — all of which the Williams campaign has deemed sanctuary cities, or those offering illegal immigrants protection from federal immigration enforcement.
The back of the bus warns other drivers to stay back because “murderers, rapists, kidnappers, child molesters, and other criminals” are on board. It’s also emblazoned with the words, “Follow me to Mexico.”
Tuesday’s announcement from the Williams campaign also notes that “(Casey) Cagle's own hometown of Gainesville has developed a reputation for turning a blind eye to criminal illegal aliens.”
The Gainesville Times has requested comment from Williams and his campaign on the bus tour and the claim that Gainesville is a sanctuary city.
Immigration detainers in Hall County increased almost three times over in the first three months of 2017 compared to 2016, according to a report from the Migration Policy Institute.