Jailers Net 38 Illegal Immigrant Suspects Posted 2007-09-01

First Month Of Cooperation With ICE Produces Results

By David Reynolds

HARRISONBURG — For the past month, booking officers at the Rockingham County Regional Jail have asked certain suspects a few more questions than they would have in the past.

That’s because five deputies have been trained and authorized by the federal government to spot fake IDs, identify illegal immigrants and detain those who are deemed to be a threat to public safety, said Sheriff Don Farley.

The program, called 287 g, is a cooperative effort between local agencies that request it and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program allows local authorities to enforce immigration law, which is normally the job of the federal government.

“Right now, in Rockingham County, it’s a public-safety issue,â€