Posted on 05/21/2002 10:32:48 AM PDT by Printers Angel
Is overcrowding at jails in West Virginia a national security problem? Don't laugh until you've learned what happened in Kanawha County a few days ago.
According to published reports, 13 illegal immigrants arrested by authorities had to be released because there was no room to house them at either of the two regional jails serving that area. A sheriff's deputy apprehended the 13 after their van broke down. He contacted the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which informed him that though normal INS policy is to incarcerate illegal aliens, no cells were available for them in the Charleston area. Names were taken and the 13 were released.
It is unlikely there were any terrorists among the 13 people arrested in Kanawha County. They appeared to be from Mexico, in this country to take advantage of opportunities for seasonal farm work. Had there been reason to suspect they had mischief on their minds, we feel confident Kanawha County authorities would not have released them so quickly.
Still, the question of whether inability to detain illegal aliens is a security concern is a valid one. It is something INS officials in this state and others with overcrowded jails should investigate. There simply must be back-up plans in place to ensure that illegal aliens who may pose security risks are not set free after being apprehended.
Meanwhile, West Virginia officials face the dilemma of what to do with prisoners convicted or accused of crimes and for whom there is no adequate space in regional jails. Overcrowding is a problem at regional jails throughout the state. Some relief will come from three new corrections facilities scheduled to be open by the end of next year.
Corrections officials should be pursuing every option to deal with jail overcrowding. Alternative sentencing, perhaps including home confinement for non-violent offenders, is one possibility. Clearly, work already begun on a long-term plan to deal with overcrowding should be pressed forward with all dispatch.
With all of the pork he's brought home, they could have built one jail.
This is INSane!!!
Don't hold your breath...this country is corrupt beyond repair. Our corrupt to the core legislature here in Tennessee will be passing an income tax today, despite opposition from 70% of the citizens. I don't think I was this angry on a day-by-day basis as I was when Clinton was in office.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.