New Law Aims To ID Undocumented Immigrants In Jail

Friday, Dec 28, 2007 - 10:23 PM Updated: 11:07 PM

By Sergio Quintana
General Assignment Reporter
WNCN-TV


WAKE COUNTY, N.C. -- As the New Year rolls in, so will a few new rules. One rule that will take effect come January 1st is a rule aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants in county jails.

There were about 35,000 people who were processed through the Wake County Jail this year.

Sheriff Donnie Harrison estimates about 10 percent to 15 percent may have been undocumented.

The new law means deputies will now be notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents about suspect inmates. But Sheriff Harrison said the law only requires local jails to notify ICE agents.

“Just because we let them know, that doesn't keep these people from bonding out, if it's a bondable offense, lets say DWI,â€