Possible solutions for immigrant inmate screenings
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Nov. 16, 2008, 12:52AM

Immigration officials have improved screening in recent years in the nation¹s federal and state prisons but estimate they screen inmates in only about 10 percent of America¹s jails.

This spring, immigration officials announced a plan called "Secure Communities" to identify and deport all illegal immigrants convicted of the most serious crimes, such as homicide, rape and drug trafficking, within 3½ years.

The program is expected to cost between $930 million and $1 billion. Congress dedicated $200 million for the program in 2008 and set aside $150 million for fiscal year 2009, according to ICE officials.

The keys to improving screening in the jails, officials say, are increasing funding, manpower and information-sharing with local law enforcement. In the meantime, some local law enforcement agencies have agreed to participate in a federal program that trains officers and jailers to act as de facto immigration agents.

The Harris County Sheriff¹s Office trained nine jailers through the so-called 287(g) program in August. The program has met with resistance from major law enforcement agencies. Harris County Sheriff-elect Adrian Garcia said he plans to evaluate the program when he takes office in January.

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