Big Horn County mulls offer from ICE

Big Horn County is considering an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the Jan. 2 commissioner meeting. Currently being reviewed by the county attorney’s office, the contract would give Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office the authority to potentially detain and initiate deportation on people living in or entering the country illegally in exchange for financial reimbursement and necessary equipment from ICE. 

The proposal came from a Mr. D. Carter, assistant field office director at ICE’s Denver office, at the Jan. 2 Big Horn County Commission meeting. He reported three different programs were being offered to all counties in Wyoming and requested Big Horn County participate in at least one. Further information regarding potential benefits and concerns of the county are expected to be presented at a future meeting. 

“Any relationship we would have with ICE would only be based on criminal actions at this time,” Sheriff Ken Blackburn said. 

Blackburn explained that currently, discrepancies between state and federal law mean that BHCSO does not have the jurisdiction to detain individuals on immigration causes, and someone who may otherwise be a candidate for detention or deportation could only receive a fine in some cases. 

Past activity in Big Horn County where an ICE agreement could have come into play include a serious semi wreck on Highway 14A near Lovell in July, where the driver had an illegal CDL from another country that had been expired for about 10 years. The wreck cost thousands to clean up and put other drivers in danger. 

Early last year, several Big Horn Federal ATMs were targeted, resulting in the theft of a small sum of money. One man arrested in association with the crime was confirmed to be part of a Venezuelan prison gang operating out of the Denver area, with others suspected. Blackburn noted that in cases such as these, ICE’s involvement would have afforded Big Horn County further resources. 

“I don’t think we have a rampant problem in any way shape or form in this county,” Blackburn noted. 

“We are not looking at anyone specifically to target … we are looking at criminals.”

Should BHCSO enter the agreement, people with illegal immigration status who are harboring criminals would also be candidates for arrest. Blackburn predicted the contract would not add to the county workload and may even reduce it, with fewer jurisdiction disparities. 

Through the proposed contract, ICE would train BHCSO to detain individuals with probable illegal immigration status. Big Horn County Detention Center is already approved as a federal holding facility, but BHCSO would require specific federal authority to detain on immigration causes.

The financial advantage for Big Horn County would be federal reimbursement for personnel and equipment expenses accrued in ICE arrests. ICE would also provide Big Horn County with a “desperately needed” patrol vehicle and equipment. 

Big Horn County law enforcement’s budget was cut by $128,649 last year due to property tax cuts, and Blackburn noted that any addition to their bottom line could be a boon. Further cuts are expected this year. A contract with ICE could be one option to avoid a reduction in personnel and services. 

“It is also an opportunity to keep Big Horn County people in Big Horn County,” Blackburn said. 

With Minneapolis, Minn. in uproar in recent days as ICE agents killed a second U.S. citizen over the course of their near month-long immigration operation in the city, Blackburn was cognizant of the controversy around the agency. He noted that an agreement with ICE would mean Big Horn County citizens working with other Big Horn County citizens, keeping the federal agency at a respectful distance while receiving the benefit of federal resources when needed.

“We are going down this path very, very carefully,” Blackburn said. 

Big Horn County Attorney Marcia Bean reported that the review process is still in its preliminary stages. 

“Most, if not all, contracts entered into with the various county departments after our review are submitted to the commissioners for their review and approval or rejection as the case may be,” she stated. “If a contract meets the requirements necessary when contracting with a governmental agency, any decision as whether to go forward or not is a decision between the department and the commissioners.”

Blackburn said that when the contract is returned, should the ultimate decision come down to him, he would not proceed without the support of the Big Horn County commissioners. If they agree to sign on, the contract could go into effect immediately.