ICE’d down
Collier sheriff’s program increases deportations, gives others a chill
By RYAN MILLS

Saturday, February 16, 2008

They’ve come from all over the world.

And if all goes as planned, to the world they soon shall return.

It’s been more than eight months since the Collier County Sheriff’s Office began its unique partnership with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, bringing ICE officials into the county jail and allowing trained deputies to act as deportation agents.

Since June 1, 2007 — when the partnership officially began — through Feb. 13, there have been 359 illegal immigrants removed from the Collier County jail and taken into ICE custody for deportation proceedings, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

That is almost four times the number taken into ICE custody during a similar period the year before, when 93 illegal immigrants were removed from the jail between June 1, 2006, and Feb. 7, 2007, reports show.

In addition, more than 170 illegal immigrants are in jail now with immigration detainers, waiting to complete their sentence before being transferred to ICE custody, officials said.

“I’ve been here for a long time and this is the best partnership I’ve been a part of,â€