San Francisco sheriff's deputies allowed to assist ICE
By: Brent Begin 06/01/11 4:00 AM
Examiner Staff Writer


San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey says he will not comply with federal immigration regulations, but deputies are not required to do the same. (AP file photo)San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey will begin releasing illegal immigrants suspected of low-level crimes instead of turning them over to federal authorities starting today, but individual sheriff’s deputies may be under no obligation to follow that policy.

That’s according to a previous legal advice letter from the City Attorney’s Office that said city officials cannot be barred from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a retired sheriff’s deputy who disagrees with Hennessey’s defense of The City’s sanctuary policy.

Under Hennessey’s new policy, illegal immigrants arrested for low-level crimes such as shoplifting, drug possession and public drunkenness won’t be held in jail, even if federal immigration agents request that they be detained for immigration proceedings. The move has drawn criticism from opponents of illegal immigration and ICE, which has called Hennessey’s policy “unfortunate.â€