The Pasadena Star News is reporting that the LA Sheriff Dept is going to be increasing their participation in the Federal 287(g) program.  The program in its simplest terms is local law enforcement being trained in the questioning of suspected criminals they have detained in jail to determine their legal status in the country.  Those that fail are handed over to Immigration with many often deported.  Many of those deported wind up back in LA county jails after they re-enter the US and caught doing a new crime.

They report that County Supervisor Antonovich asked for and received support to increase the number of trained officers in 287(g) by 5 officers.  It was approved, with the total officers trained to be 12 by September 1, 2008.

Is it just me or does this seem like throwing more money at a problem without addressing the underlying causes?  Some commenting on the Star News Groups Topix link seem to think so.

Related posts:

1. L.A. County Sheriff and U.S. Immigration Services Doing Great Work As Usual
2. LA Taxi Fares Increasing?
3. LA Sheriff Baca vs. OC Sheriff Carona on Concealed Weapons
4. LA Taxi Fares Increasing (Update)?
5. Debating for Sheriff