ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne is speaking out. 

Last January, the release from jail of a man from Mexico became a controversy. Osborne says ICE agents were nowhere to be found at that time.

Osborne adds paperwork they received from the federal agents was incorrect. 

The Justice Department threatened to prosecute Osborne last year. Meanwhile, the sheriff says his deputies will protect the rights of demonstrators who’ve gathered to protest ICE.

Sheriff Osborne recently told 607 News Now he’s running for a third term.

FULL INTERVIEW: Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne on 607 This Morning