http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=vi ... oryid=5888

What Happens to Illegal Immigrants?
Posted 10/14/2005 06:35 PM

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement say the immigrants are not a threat to society
Story by Lauren Hills Email | Bio

Monongalia County Sheriff's deputies detained almost two dozen men this week, when they couldn't prove they were American citizens. Some of the men claimed to be working at a local construction site. And although it seems like these men would be heading home, they're not.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, from Pittsburgh responded to the situation. ICE says the immigrants are illegal. They were fingerprinted and then let go.

After doing the background checks, ICE representatives say the individuals that were caught are not a threat to public safety. That means they don't have criminal records.

ICE says it focuses on putting individuals in jail only if they are a threat, like if they're sexual predators.

ICE says it has priorities and since these individuals are not a threat, they're low on the agencies priority. The next step for the immigrants is court. They all are required to appear in front on an immigration judge. They'll have to explain why they're here in the United States and the judge will determine what to do with them after that.