Elkhart sheriff makes slight change to immigration detention policy

After being contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office has made an amendment to increase the amount of time a person on a detainer can be held from 48 hours to 72.

The sheriff says this only applies to two individuals at a time and only up to 72 hours.

The change is a modification of the county's existing agreement with the US Marshals Service.

The sheriff says individuals will not be held on a long term basis and deputies will not be actively pursuing individuals based on their immigration status.

The full statement by Sheriff Jeff Siegel:

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office has been approached by Immigration Customs and Enforcement in regards to holding those on a 48 hour detainer for up to 72 hours. I have allowed an amendment to our existing federal contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to hold no more than two individuals at a time and only up to 72 hours. The intention of this increase in time of 24 hours is to allow those who have been arrested for crimes, and held on a 48 hour detainer over the weekend, to be picked up by Immigration Customs and Enforcement. I have no intentions to hold detained individuals for Immigration Customs and Enforcement on any long term basis and will not allow our facilities to exceed the stated agreement. In addition, my officers will not be actively seeking or pursuing individuals based on their immigration status.