L.A. County to begin checking immigration status of jail inmates

May 15, 12:38 PMLA Headlines ExaminerTad Cronn

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For the first time, law enforcement officials in Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties will begin checking the immigration status of all jail inmates as part of a new national effort to deport illegal immigrants with records.

Sometime this month, officials will begin running the inmates' fingerprints through federal databases, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will place holds on those who are in the country illegally.

Once they finish their sentences, those with immigration holds will be transferred to immigration custody for deportation.

ICE launched the Secure Communities in 48 counties in seven states and plans to expand it to all jails and prisons by 2012.

More than 40 police agencies throughout Los Angeles County will participate.

Los Angeles police have long been subject to Special Order 40, established in 1979, which prohibits officers from inquiring about a suspect's immigration status. Also, many cities in the state have declared themselves "sanctuary cities" for illegal immigrants.

It remains to be seen how the new policy will go down with pro-illegal immigration activists in the state.