County approves MOU with ICE to allow trained local officers to process removable noncitizen detainees

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in a warrant service officer model that would permit trained local detention officers to process and transfer removable noncitizen detainees.

Sheriff explained the MOU to the commission as a limited‑scope model distinct from task‑force or broader enforcement programs. He described three ICE models and said the warrant service officer program would allow county officers to be trained, certified and authorized "to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency's jail." He said the arrangement is intended to reduce local detention time and costs, and to make the county eligible for certain reimbursement grants.

The sheriff told commissioners the county averages about "15 and 20" noncitizen inmates in the jail per month and estimated local detention costs at about $80 per day per inmate. He said faster transfers and access to federal reimbursement could reduce local expenditures and jail crowding.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about the timing of transfers relative to local court proceedings and whether the county would incur costs; the sheriff said detainees would remain in local custody until local charges are resolved and that participation made the county eligible for potential grants and could generate net savings.

The commission voted to approve the MOU by roll call (vote recorded on the public record). The clerk announced the resolution had passed.

Provenance: Sheriff presentation begins at 01:57:25; the vote was recorded at 02:02:30.