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Sheriff says jail handled a surge of 64 immigrants; staff stressed but operations managed
Summary
Sheriff Kramer reported the county jail processed 64 immigrants in one week, creating staff strain; the sheriff praised staff and community partners for interpretation and legal help and said the facility was well-equipped to handle the surge.
Sheriff Kramer told the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that the county jail received 64 immigrants in a recent operation and that the intake placed heavy demands on staff.
“We took in 64 immigrants last week,” Sheriff Kramer said, later adding that staff were “totally overwhelmed, exhausted” but that facility staff, community interpreters and volunteer legal aid helped process the group. The sheriff said outside organizations provided interpretation and legal assistance that sped booking and helped detainees connect with attorneys.
Kramer described many of the people as having worked in the United States for years and emphasized efforts to reunite detainees with families and employers when legally possible. He also noted there were no immediate medical issues among the group and that the jail provided necessary care during processing.
Commissioners thanked the sheriff for the update and for coordination with community partners, and they asked whether the sheriff needed any board assistance. Kramer said staffing is short and that he is working on personnel requirements and potential hiring rule changes to address workforce needs.
The board did not take action but discussed the broader operational implications, including overtime, housing and transport demands that have accompanied the recent surge.
