ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT/TECHNOLOGY SLATED FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS IN COUNTY JAIL SYSTEM

PRESS RELEASE	Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy Office:      (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176 E-mail:     tbell@bos.lacounty.gov
May 12, 2009	For Immediate Release
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY SLATED FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS IN COUNTY JAIL SYSTEM
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The United States Department of Homeland Security’s  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division will implement a pilot program  called “Secure Communities” that will use modern technology to identify, detain and deport criminal aliens in our county jail system, announced Supervisor Antonovich.     “Illegal immigrants in our County jail system cost taxpayers over $350 million annually,” said Antonovich.  “By using advanced technology and adding 66 additional personnel, this pilot program will effectively identify criminal aliens for transfer to federal custody.”    “The County’s successful HICAPP program is the model for the “Secure Communities” pilot.  Initiated by Supervisor Antonovich in 2001, the HICAAP program is a collaborative project between the Sheriff, local law enforcement and federal government to quickly identify and detain criminal illegal aliens utilizing fingerprint technology to positively identify previously deported criminal illegal aliens.
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