Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office details local immigration policies

EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM) – The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says they have been getting many inquires as to their policy on immigration, and their cooperation with ICE. This expectedly because of the local Prop K.

According to their published statement, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says they cannot enforce federal immigration laws, because they must comply with state laws.

They go on to explain that they do not use money to investigate immigration statuses, or initiate any law enforcement action – unless the person is arrested, and jailed. In that instance, the HCSO collects fingerprints, which are distributed to other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE can then request a hold on the inmate, but the Sheriff’s Office only honors this request if the inmate has been convicted of a serious, or violent crime. Last year, ICE made 26 so-called “detainer requests”, and 5 were honored, due to serious crimes.