Thread: OK-ICE prepares to deport immigrant inmates

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prepares to deport immigrant inmates
If arrested in U.S. again, men could be sent back to state prison
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Buzz up!BY JULIE BISBEE
Published: July 24, 2009

BOLEY — Illegal immigrant inmates turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could be in their home countries by next week, federal officials said.


The state Corrections Department transferred 22 inmates Thursday to federal custody. It was the state’s first large transfer since legislation was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry in June.

The law allows inmates who are not in the country legally to be turned over to federal custody for deportation if they have been convicted of a nonviolent crime and have served at least one-third of their prison sentences.

Supporters of the law say it helps the state save money and free up prison beds, while opponents say deported inmates may not realize that although they are released from prison early, they will likely have no legal avenue to return to the United States.

Fifty-four inmates have been turned over for deportation since the law took effect.

"What happened is very important to the Department of Corrections and taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma,â€

[quote]Terrill said the federal government’s inability to enforce immigration laws forces states to act.

"The real outrage is that these are people who never should have been here in the first place,â€

[quote]Terrill said the federal government’s inability to enforce immigration laws forces states to act.

"The real outrage is that these are people who never should have been here in the first place,â€

Related:

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-164183.html