Davis County draws ICE's cold shoulder

While some Utah politicos are incensed by a recent denial issued by federal immigration enforcers to cross-train Davis County sheriff's deputies, the Department of Homeland Security says it has a better option for the agency to deal with undocumented criminals.

Davis County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Bob Yeaman said Monday that the Davis County jail processes about 10 prisoners a month who are unable to document their citizenship, and hoped that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement training, which it applied for last October, would streamline the process.

"Right now, we call ICE whenever we have an immigration-related issue," he said. "Usually, they show up quickly and it's not a problem … but not always."

Local law enforcement agencies are allowed to hold a prisoner for 48 hours on federal immigration issues. However, if no federal agent shows up in that time, the prisoner is released. That, Yeaman said, is the problem.

Without the training ICE offers under its 287(g) program, local law enforcement officers have no jurisdiction in immigration matters and cannot take any action. But it isn't the only avenue for local agencies to deal with undocumented criminals, federal officials say.

Homeland Security spokesman Matthew Chandler said cross-training is not the appropriate solution for every agency, and efficient alternatives are in place that address processing undocumented criminals.

"When considering applications for 287(g) authority, ICE evaluates each situation with the best use of both federal and local law enforcement resources in mind," Chandler said. "ICE officials determined that Davis County's needs could be met more effectively by other ICE state and local assistance programs such as the Criminal Alien Program or Secure Communities."

Both programs provide screening that, according to Homeland Security officials, are effective in identifying and tracking criminals who are in the country illegally.

Yeaman said the sheriff's office had not been informed of alternatives when the application was denied about three weeks ago. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he wasn't familiar with either of the programs, and thought the suggestion may be a feint.

"It sounds like they're using these programs as an excuse," Shurtleff said. "This is the federal government's responsibility … they knew they were going to need more help … I'm a little surprised, and disappointed, that they denied it."