S. Idaho jail eyed as federal site for immigration detainees

Federal officials say the Jerome County Jail in south-central Idaho would be an ideal location to house immigration detainees and could eventually be used for immigration hearings.

The Times-News reports in a story on Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in a document obtained by the newspaper through a public records request also say the site could be expanded to take in more inmates.

Federal officials are looking for a new location due to the loss last year of access to 300 beds at Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Federal authorities using the Jerome County Jail could bring up to $1.37 million a year to the county.

But county commissioners say nothing will happen until Immigration and Customs Enforcement brings them a potential contract.