JEROME, Idaho (AP) - Jerome County officials are awaiting a contract from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to lease beds at the county jail.
The Times-News reports the agency last January described Jerome as an “ideal location” to lease 50 beds to make up for a lack of space in Utah. By establishing a presence in Jerome, the agency says it would save money by cutting the transportation costs of sending detainees to Seattle or Salt Lake City.
The agency said in mid-September it was moving forward with the contract in Jerome, but Sheriff Doug McFall says he’s still waiting.
People were interested in these podcasts
The proposal has garnered criticism from local and statewide organizations saying a crackdown on immigrants living in the area illegally would create a culture of fear among Jerome’s Hispanic community and disrupt local economy.
___
Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.