New Program Tracks Down Undocumented Criminals

On April 6th Monterey County launched a new plan aimed at tracking down undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes, the Secure Communities Immigration Program. Prior to the program's implementation, ICE officers frequented the Monterey County Jail once a month to check inmate records and immigration statuses. Under the new program the fingerprints of every booked inmate are sent directly to the Department of Homeland Security so as to check citizenship status and flag "persons of interest" and ultimately deport them.

ICE spokesperson Virginia Kice touted the efficiency of the program saying that it will allow them to expand their reach without adding personnel. And because every single inmate is screened, advocates say that the program is free of racial profiling and keeps the community safe by identifying persons with prior convictions. Monterey County is the 15th county in the state to implement this program.

News anchor Dan Brown ended the report by commenting upon the program's proximity to the upcoming June primary for county sheriff. The incumbent and both challengers are united in their support of the program.

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Posted by Jeanette Pantoja