Buncombe Sheriff Candidates Debated Policy Priorities

Incumbent Sheriff Quentin Miller and challenger Gary Parris clashed over immigration enforcement and jail operations.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Immigration

Buncombe Sheriff Candidates Debated Policy Priorities

Live Poll

Should your local sheriff prioritize creating mental health facilities over stricter jail enforcement policies?

Sheriff Quentin Miller and challenger Gary Parris presented opposing visions for the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office during a candidate forum in Asheville. The discussion centered on staffing, mental health, and the practical application of new state mandates.

Why it matters

The candidates seek to define their priorities for managing local law enforcement operations as Buncombe County navigates significant shifts in jail policies and inmate population requirements.

H.B. 318, which took effect October 1, requires sheriffs to hold undocumented inmates for 48 hours for ICE notification. This implementation follows a 2017 jail death lawsuit that settled for $2.2 million.

The players

Quentin Miller

He is the two-term incumbent running for a third term as the Buncombe County Sheriff.

Gary Parris

He is a retired state prison captain who is challenging the incumbent for the sheriff seat.

The details

During the forum, Miller noted that Iryna's Law has contributed to jail overcrowding, while Parris emphasized his background as a retired state prison captain to address the reported shortage of 80 deputies. The candidates also discussed the future of the closed Craggy Correctional Center and the management of 200 inmates currently dealing with mental health issues.

A 2017 jail death led to a lawsuit settlement.
Iryna Zarutska was killed in Charlotte in August 2025.
Craggy Correctional Center closed in the summer of 2026.
H.B. 318 took effect on October 1, 2026.
The candidate forum occurred on October 2, 2026.

Violence
Sept. 29
Asheville Violent Crime Fell to Five-Year Low
Safety
Sept. 23
Asheville Consortium Prioritized Hurricane Homelessness
Property Crime
Sept. 29
Safe Stolen in Burglary at Asheville Restaurant

Political Context

The debate highlights a broader divide between local administrators attempting to balance state mandates like Iryna's Law against the practical realities of jail management. Critics often argue these legislative requirements force local agencies to prioritize federal administrative cooperation over local operational efficiency.

Residents may see changes in how the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office manages jail capacity, potentially influencing tax allocations for staffing and facility upkeep. These policies directly impact the speed of inmate processing and the administrative resources dedicated to federal immigration cooperation.

The takeaway

Voters face a choice between two distinct management philosophies regarding the balance of state legislative compliance and local jail operations. The outcome will determine how the department manages critical shortages and the treatment of inmates with mental health concerns.