HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic ResponsePUBLIC RESPONSE
ITEM
DATE
SUBMITTED BY
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CANYON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Tom Dale
ts2 Canyon County Commissioner - District
1 1 15 Albany :• Caldwell. Idaho 83605 e Tclephonc: (208) 454 7507 Fax: (208) 454-7336
RECEIVED i3y
CALDWELL CITY C
CLERK
MAR 2 U 2017
Dcar Mayor Nancolas and City Council members,
I'm submitting this letter to you because I will be unable to attend tonight's meeting to speak
with you regarding the status of Pod 5. 1 am out of the country.
In January's meeting, there was a great deal of frustration communicated about the failt.re of
Canyon County Commissioners to do the security upgrades to Pod 5 that had been agreed upon
when the special use permit was initially granted. I completely understand that frustration, and
Pelt it as well. As you will see from the report from our staff updating you on the progress we
have made on better securing the facility, we have come a long way in accomplishing what was
agreed upon.
Since the meeting in January when this issue was addressed by the City Council, the landscape
for jail space in Idaho has changed. Due to the new directive from the Trump Administration to
enforce America's immigration laws, there will be a need for Federal Immigration authorities,
namely ICE, to house criminal illegal immigrants in jails. Acting on that directive, Federal
representatives have contracted with counties throughout Idaho who have excess jail space to
reserve that space for their need. We had spoken to Jerome County officials about contracting
with them for 30 beds in their jail to house Canyon County inmates, should the Pod 5 facility be
restricted to only work release. I understand those beds are no longer available to us, as they are
under contract with ICE.
With this in mind, I am more committed than ever we need to make Pod 5 as secure as it can be
made, in compliance with the City of Caldwell's direction, understanding that we have no other
options readily available to meet Canyon County's jail space needs.
Thank you,
With respect,
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Tom Dale