Jailing illegal immigrants costs more than thought
By the Associated Press
August 5, 2008
MANASSAS, Va. -

Jail officials say holding suspected illegal immigrants in Prince William County cost almost $800,000 more than expected in the previous fiscal year.

The so-called 287(g) program permits local law enforcers to assist Immigration and Customs enforcement in processing illegal immigrants. But jail superintendent Colonel Peter A. Meletis says the program has used far more jail resources than expected.

Federal immigration officials were taking weeks, not the 72 hours agreed upon, to pick up suspected illegal immigrants. This led to crowding at the jail.

The cost to house detainees surpassed the budget by $413,000. Other higher-than-anticipated costs included almost $130,000 in unbudgeted overtime and $179,000 in medical and drug costs.
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