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5 Shocking Ways Alamance County Sheriff’s Dept Is Changing: From ICE Contracts To Iryna’s Law

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The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is currently navigating one of its most transformative periods in recent history, driven by new state legislation and high-profile legal matters. As of December 22, 2025, the department, led by long-time Sheriff Terry S. Johnson, is making critical shifts in its operations, most notably the decision to terminate a multi-million dollar contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and adapting to sweeping changes in North Carolina's criminal justice system. The department's commitment to "serve, protect, and defend the citizens of Alamance County" is now being tested by the practical realities of new state mandates and the ongoing need for detention center capacity. The Alamance County Sheriff's Department continues to be the principal law enforcement agency for over 170,000 residents across 435 square miles, but its focus is rapidly evolving. Recent developments, including a significant lawsuit settlement and a focus on managing calls for service—which topped nearly 90,000 in 2024—underscore the intense operational challenges facing the department. Understanding these changes provides a crucial look into the future of law enforcement and detention in Graham, NC, and the surrounding county.

The Man in Charge: Sheriff Terry S. Johnson Biography and Leadership Profile

Sheriff Terry S. Johnson is one of North Carolina's longest-serving and most recognizable figures in county law enforcement. His leadership has defined the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office for decades, often placing him and the department at the center of state and national discussions on immigration and civil rights.
  • Full Name: Terry S. Johnson
  • Political Affiliation: Republican Party
  • First Elected: Sheriff Johnson has served multiple terms, having first been elected to the office.
  • Career Start: He began his career in law enforcement in 1972.
  • Education: He holds a degree in criminal justice from East Carolina University.
  • Current Status: As of the latest reports, Sheriff Johnson plans to seek another term in office.
  • Key Focus Areas: His tenure has been marked by a strong focus on drug interdiction, gang activity suppression, and a historically firm stance on immigration enforcement, though this is now changing due to state law.
Johnson’s long career, which began over five decades ago, has seen the ACSO grow and adapt to the complex demands of a rapidly changing county. His leadership style, often profiled in national media, continues to shape the department’s response to everything from local crime to state legislative mandates.

1. The End of a \$1.9 Million ICE Contract: The Iryna’s Law Effect

One of the most significant and recent operational shifts for the Alamance County Sheriff's Office is the termination of its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision, announced by Sheriff Johnson, is set to take effect on November 16, 2025. The ICE contract, valued at approximately \$1.9 million, allowed the Alamance County Detention Center to house federal detainees. This revenue source and operational function are being sacrificed to comply with new state requirements.

New State Requirements Under House Bill 307

The driving force behind this major change is the passage of North Carolina’s House Bill 307, also known as "Iryna's Law." This comprehensive criminal justice measure is scheduled to become active across North Carolina on December 1, 2025, just weeks after the ICE contract termination. Iryna’s Law imposes more rigorous conditions for pretrial release, a change that directly impacts the capacity of county jails. Specifically, the law restricts pretrial release for certain offenses and requires judicial officials to initiate involuntary commitment proceedings for defendants who meet specific criteria. Sheriff Johnson cited the need to prioritize space for the county's own population of pretrial defendants, whose numbers are expected to rise under the new, stricter bail and release guidelines. This strategic move ensures the ACSO can meet its primary obligation to the local criminal justice system, even at the cost of federal funding.

2. The \$430,000 Lawsuit Settlement: Accountability and Civil Rights

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Johnson were recently involved in a high-profile legal matter that resulted in a significant financial settlement. On July 28, a lawsuit was settled for \$430,000. The lawsuit was filed by two parties, Aris Hines and Brandi Thomason, against Sheriff Johnson and several deputies. While the specific details of the initial complaint are complex, one search result links a lawsuit against the Sheriff and deputies to a 2023 shooting death, indicating the serious nature of the allegations, which often involve claims of excessive force or civil rights violations. This settlement serves as a critical point of public accountability and highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by law enforcement agencies regarding their use of force and operational procedures. It is not the first time the ACSO has faced such legal challenges; a 2012 lawsuit filed by the federal government charged that the department systematically engaged in unlawful policing practices under Johnson's command.

3. Addressing the Local Crime Surge: Calls for Service and Gang Activity

In addition to managing major policy changes and legal challenges, the Alamance County Sheriff's Office remains intensely focused on traditional law enforcement duties. During a recent meeting with the Alamance County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff Johnson provided a detailed report on the department's operational statistics. Key statistics and operational focus areas include:
  • Call Volume: The ACSO responded to approximately 89,018 calls for service in 2024, demonstrating the high operational tempo of the department.
  • Drug and Gang Focus: The Sheriff continues to detail successful drug seizures and efforts to combat increasing gang activity within the county. These efforts are central to the department's mission to reduce violent crime and improve community safety.
  • Traffic Enforcement: The department adheres to North Carolina General Statute § 143B-903, which requires the submission of detailed statistics on traffic stops, ensuring transparency in road safety enforcement.
The comprehensive nature of these reports provides the Board of Commissioners and the public with a clear picture of the on-the-ground challenges, from routine traffic stops to complex criminal investigations.

4. Stepping Up: Mental Health and Jail Reform Initiatives

The ACSO is actively involved in progressive initiatives aimed at addressing the intersection of criminal justice and mental health. Alamance County joined the "Stepping Up" national initiative in 2015, a program whose goal is to measurably reduce the number of people with mental illness in local jails. This commitment involves: * Crisis Intervention Training: Efforts to provide advanced skills training, including de-escalation and crisis intervention, are a key part of the vision for future ACSO leadership and current staff development. * Systemic Change: By participating in Stepping Up, the Sheriff’s Office is working with other county entities to create a more effective system for diverting individuals with mental health issues away from the Detention Center and into appropriate treatment. Furthermore, the Sheriff recently reported an improved staffing situation for both deputies and the jail, a positive development that supports both daily operations and the implementation of these complex reform initiatives.

5. Future Outlook: Elections and Evolving Law Enforcement

As Sheriff Terry Johnson seeks to continue his long tenure, the Alamance County Sheriff’s Department faces a future defined by adaptation. The implementation of Iryna's Law and the resulting cessation of the ICE contract represent a major policy pivot, shifting focus and resources entirely to state-mandated pretrial management. The department’s success will be measured by its ability to manage the increased inmate population from pretrial restrictions, maintain a strong focus on drug and gang enforcement, and continue to navigate the ongoing public demand for accountability and civil rights protection. The Alamance County Sheriff's Office, headquartered in Graham, NC, is a dynamic institution whose next chapter will be heavily influenced by these recent, critical developments.
5 Shocking Ways Alamance County Sheriff’s Dept is Changing: From ICE Contracts to Iryna’s Law
alamance county sheriff dept
alamance county sheriff dept

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