Orange County Agrees To House Immigration Detainees At Two County Jails

On July 20, 2010, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a “Beds for Feds” deal with the federal government to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees to be held in two county jails.

Orange County agreed to rent a total of 838 beds at Theo Lacy Jail in Orange and James A. Musick detention facility in Irvine. The deal will bring over $30 million a year to Orange County for the next five years and will ease the $65 million shortfall projected for the Sheriff’s Department budget next year. Orange County agreed to renovate both jails, at a cost of around $6 million, to accommodate the new detainees.

The City of Orange expressed concern for the deal, especially considering Theo Lacy Jail’s close proximity to the Block, a popular shopping center. However, according to Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, 91% of the detainees are eventually deported and the remainder are transferred to federal facilities. Thus, Hutchens stated that no detainees will be released at the respective jails in Orange and Irvine.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, you will need an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney who will advise you of the possible consequences of a guilty plea or conviction. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of crimes for over 40 years. Feel free to contact us at (888) 280-6839. We will be there when you call.

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