Posted on 02/11/2007 6:44:22 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
EDINBURG — Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño had a new dilemma on his hands last week — where would he get $725,000 to make up for funding President Bush has proposed to cut from a federal program.
In fiscal year 2005, the federal government reimbursed the county almost three-quarters of a million dollars for housing illegal aliens accused of committing crimes. And the president didn’t request any new funding for those State Criminal Alien Assistance Program reimbursements in the fiscal year 2008 budget he recently submitted to Congress.
"One of the major fronts we need assistance in is helping us pay for the jailing of the criminal illegal immigrants that the federal government fails to stop at the borders," Treviño said. "They are passing the buck."
The federal reimbursement program was created in 2000 by the Department of Justice to pay local and state government entities the costs of holding illegal immigrants in jail and prison. It paid out a total of $287 million for fiscal year 2005.
The Hidalgo County jail houses as many as 1,200 inmates a day. On any given day, at least 20 percent of those are illegal immigrants, Treviño said. At least 80 inmates are sent to the private East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa because he doesn’t have enough space.
Sheriffs with jails full of illegal immigrants around the country have argued that it is the federal government’s responsibility to house illegal immigrants, not local government.
The government estimated that SCAAP paid an average $30 per inmate. The total amount paid to each government entity was based on a complex formula that reimbursed governments by how many officers worked at the jail, how many beds were in the jail and how large the facility was. But that $30 average fell short of real costs of about $40, Treviño said.
Under the program, local and state governments send receipts proving a criminal illegal immigrant stayed in a jail for more than four days to secure reimbursement.
More than 3,500 illegal immigrants spent more than four days at the Hidalgo County jail in 2005, the last year for which data is currently available. Harris County was the only county in the state to receive more money than Hidalgo.
Though the funding is cut, Treviño and other sheriffs around the country still need to hold illegal immigrants in their jails.
So efforts to secure the funding again are still underway.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters during a press conference on Thursday that he plans to ask for the money in upcoming funding negotiations in Congress, which is mulling over the president’s proposed budget now.
"The federal government is the one with primary responsibility, yet we have the double whammy of the government not acting on our broken borders," Cornyn said. "I am concerned by this proposal and I hope the Democratic majority will allow amendments to fix some of these egregious things in the appropriations bill."
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Andres R. Martinez covers courts and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.
President Bush truly does not understand how strongly middle America feels about illegal immigration.
If the Republicans don't wake up and stop blaming their losses on lack of voter turnout, we will lose in 2008 as well.
President Tancredo
President Bush truly does not understand how strongly middle America feels about illegal immigration.
President Bush doesn't care. He's a lame duck and is free to destroy the republic in any manner he chooses.
Presidente Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
"President Bush truly does not understand how strongly middle America feels about illegal immigration. "
I think he knows exactly what he is doing
" Untited States of North America "
I think he knows exactly what he is doing
" Untited States of North America "
Exactly, illegal immigration needs to be the new litmus test.
ping!
Why does'nt this surprise me."bush" has sold this country down the river.
Hook up to the database and call ICE. They will pick em up and deport them.
Doesn't the American President, and the Federal Government have a duty to protect the jobs and well being of the citizens of our country? I guess not.
I agree and it is so frustrating, i almost don't want to read or listen to the news any more.
"President Bush truly does not understand how strongly middle America feels about illegal immigration."
Nor does he care and for the life of me I can't figure out why.
That's our senator. He'll "ask" for the money. Not much chance of getting it but he can campaign on having asked for it. If we had a real representative he would make sure that the money got put in the budget.
From early on in this Administration it has become evident that "W" amongst many others in our Government is pro open borders, and what we think or want concerning the matter is of little interest to their agenda.
Years ago Bauer stated to the effect that the most dangerous threat to American sovereignty was the influx of International Corporations, loyal only to the almighty dollar purchasing the power to control this Nation via the economy.
Opening our borders to illegals provides a workforce of cheap labor which benefits those International Corporations and other business, but wreaks havoc with American lifestyle.
It is apparent there was some truth to his prophecy.
Nor does he care and for the life of me I can't figure out why.
I'll give you a hint, he didn't run for office to help middle Americans.
Your are 100% right on!!!!!
Would $90000 in cash from Democrat Rep. William Jefferson's freezer help?
There, fixed your typo.
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