Where is the federal money for criminals who are here illegally?

Arizona is only getting pennies on the dollar
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Posted: 07/28/2010
Last Updated: 4 hours and 22 minutes ago

By: Josh Bernstein
By: Maria Tomasch

The federal government gives law enforcement millions to help jail criminals who are here illegally.

But, critics say we only get pennies on the dollar. So, where is the rest of the money?

Ernesto Oliveras-Sanchez is being booked into the Maricopa County jail after being arrested for DUI.

He is in the United States illegally.

If Ernesto is found guilty, Maricopa County will notify the federal government and apply for money to help offset the cost of jail time.

Reimbursement would come from something called SCAAP or the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.

But, here's the key: in order to get that money, the person here illegally must also be convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors.

Every year, the program pays out hundreds of millions of dollars.

Local jurisdictions compete for the funds, so some get more, while others get less.

Arizona might be ground zero for the debate over illegal immigration, but we don't get the bulk of the funding.

In fact, Arizona ranks fifth on the list.

“We get some money, but I feel we should receive more because we are helping out the federal government,â€