That's what has motivated Donnelson to sponsor HB237, which would direct the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security under the federal 287(g) rule to cross-deputize some of its troopers to enforce immigration law.

The 287(g) agreements provide federal training for local and state law enforcement or corrections officers, giving them the ability to pursue certain immigration enforcement duties, according to ICE.

There are currently 34 such agreements nationwide, with nearly 600 officers trained, and resulting in more than 38,400 arrests, ICE reports.

There are 90 requests for such agreements pending. One of those was made last August by the Davis County Sheriff's Department, which wants 10 of its jail officers to receive federal training to interview arrestees and put a hold on those who are determined to be deportable, said Chief Deputy Bob Yeaman. The county's request was made last August.

"There are so many (deportable offenders) and so few ICE officers, they don't always get down here to put a hold on these folks," Yeaman said. "These folks bail, and we never see them again."

Jeff Nigbur, Public Safety spokesman, said his department is evaluating Donnelson's bill. Last year, Public Safety was concerned about the mandate for the agreement, though he said it could be a useful extra tool in investigations in cases such as when a vehicle has already been pulled over on probable cause.

The issue is also being looked at in a comprehensive bill being drafted by Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, which would allow the state attorney general to enter into a 287(g) agreement and prevent local governments from passing ordinances against cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Hickman's bill would also, like Sandstrom's, require city and county jails to attempt to determine citizenship status of inmates.

Hickman says he's seen overwhelmingly positive feedback from his own constituents and from people across the state, adding: "I think the citizens of the state are willing to step up to the plate to assist local law enforcement with additional revenue, if necessary, to solve this problem."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com