Panel considering training Colo. jail deputies to spot illegal immigrants

Associated Press - November 18, 2008 9:35 AM ET

GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) - A state government panel in Colorado says it may ask the federal government to expand its capacity to jail illegal immigrants in that state and in Wyoming.

The panel includes Colorado state legislators and law enforcement officials. It's reviewing immigration enforcement in Colorado and is considering training jail deputies to spot detainees who are in the country illegally.

The panel also is considering asking federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand its capacity to hold illegal immigrants in Wyoming and Colorado.

Currently, ICE has about 700 beds at facilities it contracts with in Colorado and Wyoming, says Lance Clem, a spokesman for Colorado's Department of Public Safety.

The panel will likely meet once more before it delivers a final report to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter by the end of the year.

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