Releasing the Numbers on Illegal Immigration

Updated: Wednesday, 29 Jun 2011, 9:49 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 29 Jun 2011, 9:49 PM CDT
ISIAH CAREY
Reporter

HOUSTON - We were shown just how successful the 287g program was when we were given incredible access to the Harris County Jail back in July 2010.

It's the federal system used by the jail to identify illegal immigrants after they're arrested.

As of February 2011, the program has lead to the county identifying 20,000 illegal immigrants.

During that visit, the sheriff's office provided us with a book several inches thick. It contained the names and crimes of illegal immigrants who were turned over to immigration.

But now we’re told they no longer have access to it. County officials say the federal government has blocked that information.

The local Immigrations Customs Enforcement spokesman, Greg Palmore, says they’re no longer releasing the info of illegal immigrants through the county.

“We’re protecting the privacy of individuals who actually come through the system,â€