Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards on Monday said he doesn't think an increased ICE presence is needed in the city — a response to widely circulating texts in which he urged delaying such a move until after voters weigh in on his proposed tax measure in two weeks.

In September, Edwards texted a political consultant and asked her to tell the deputy Immigration and Customs Enforcement director that he didn’t want ICE agents i n the city until after the election, warning the move could jeopardize its passage.

But in a statement Monday, Edwards said the texts were the result of a misunderstanding.

"I do not believe ICE involvement is needed in our community," the mayor said. "My focus has always been on addressing violent crime and ensuring that the residents of Baton Rouge feel safe

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