Karen Grace , KENS 5 6:24 p.m. CST December 9, 2014

In the face of public pressure, commissioners suspended a decision on expanding a federal immigration center which houses unauthorized immigrants alleged to have illegally crossed the border.

On the agenda Tuesday was adding 600 beds to the Karnes Immigration Facility. The decision was tabled because of safety concerns in the contract.

"Of course we can't make a decision right away," said James Rosales, Karnes Commissioner Precinct 3.

The expansion would double capacity at the facility.

"I want to put something in there to make sure they have enough staff to take care of how many detainees are housed there," added Rosales.

"They want to look into whether or not the county can look into enforcing any kind of staffing regulations," supported Jeffrey Chapman, the attorney hired by Karnes County. "To address some of the concerns the commissioners heard this morning from public comment," added Chapman.

Chapman also advised Commissioners of their legal obligations to the agency which oversees this facility, GEO.

He said the county is required to cooperate with GEO and ICE because of an existing contract or risk a lawsuit.

In August, the facility started to take in families from Central America while working their way through the federal immigration system.

Officials could not give a timeline yet on when the next opportunity for a vote will take place, but there is a follow-up meeting in the works for next week.

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