Unanticipated costs

ONLINE READER REACTION
Published: August 14, 2008

These are some of the online reader comments about an Aug. 7 article about the higher than anticipated costs of housing illegal immigrants in the Prince William-Manassas regional jail.
County jail officials asked the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to OK the use of federal funds to meet costs.

The real news is almost hidden in the tail end of the story: since inception of the 287(g) program, Prince William County officials have detained and processed 860 inmates for charges related to illegal
immigration, and ICE has taken custody of 747 of them.

As the rough cost of approximately $1,000 per inmate is a substantial investment of taxpayer dollars — it brings a tremendous benefit to our community — and it all comes from federal funds too! 

I hope that this is only the start of even more good news to come — as county officials continue to work with ICE to capture, report and deport more illegal aliens. So I’ll offer my congratulations and
thanks to all concerned and ask them to keep it going!

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You know, when I look at my paycheck stub, I see taxes taken out under “Federal Income.” So, when you’re talking these are “Federal Funds,” you are still talking about spending my money. Whichever
side of the coin you’re on, they are spending OUR money.

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What a non starter. This is what ICE agreed to pay for — holding till transferral of deportees. The Washington Post and Potomac News are trying to make it into a negative story. Even though it is an
immensely positive story.

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It is money well spent and in the end will save us money.