SHERIFF HOT ON ICE DEBATE
Bill aims to put skids on state-funded detention
Plymouth County’s sheriff is wading into the debate over a proposed bill targeting his and other lawmen’s pacts with federal immigration officials by warning the legislation could have “unintended consequences” on his ability to screen out dangerous criminals for release.
“What we lose here is the value of the partnership we have with those federal agencies,” Sheriff Joe McDonald said of the legislation. “We’re not out in the communities hunting people down. These are individuals coming to us in custody and it’s important for us to know who they are and if ICE has interest in pursuing action.”
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Antonio Cabral, would bar any state money from being used to implement agreements with Immigration and Customs and Enforcement to train local correction officers in immigration law.
House leaders tabled it last month amid questions from lawmakers, though it could soon re-emerge. Lawmakers are readying for another formal session this week.
The state Department of Correction, as well as the Plymouth and Bristol County sheriff departments, have all signed what’s known as 287(g) agreements, which give state law enforcement officers ICE abilities to investigate and detain residents on immigration charges.
The rub is that federal law prohibits federal tax dollars from going toward the voluntary program, meaning the bill would make the agreements unworkable — barring a change at the federal level.
McDonald said having the ability to screen inmates through ICE databases before they’re released is key.
Not including ICE detainees, his department counted 48 “foreign-born” inmates who are either serving sentences or being held for trial as of late last month. Those inmates, he said, included people facing charges of rape, murder, manslaughter and drug trafficking. All told, the inmates also had a dozen drug distribution charges on their dockets, he said.
But the lot also included some inmates with far less serious charges, including shoplifting, malicious destruction of property and operating with a suspended license. Critics of the program say the inmates are facing the type of nonviolent crimes that law enforcement shouldn’t use to process immigrants for deportation.
But McDonald pointed to the “gamut” of crimes as evidence that “it’s important for us to notify our colleagues at ICE if these people are being held.”
“While I think the goal of reimbursement from the feds is a laudable goal, we need to be careful about how we do it,” he said. “I think what rears its head here is the old law of unintended consequences.”
But Cabral said he’s not convinced. He said violent criminals wanted by federal immigration officials can be identified by local and state police before they make it to the jail.
“I know the argument that the sheriff is making,” he said. “But it’s all about state dollars, state money. I think he ought to secure federal dollars to carry that out.”
Ethically speaking
Lawmakers huddled in a State House conference room for their biennial ethics training last week — an affair one lawmaker described to the Herald as short and sweet.
We’d love to tell you more about the guidance publicly elected lawmakers got from publicly appointed ethics officials, but a Herald reporter who posted up on the wall near the door was told by a House court officer to leave because it was a members-only session.
All lawmakers who attended — as well the reporter — did get a handy sheet that listed seven “red flags” legislators should steer clear of, so as to not run afoul of state ethics law.
It cautioned against “self-dealing” — participating in a matter that you or a family member have a financial interest — or holding multiple state jobs or an “inside track” on state contracts. Lawmakers also can’t use their position to get something worth $50 or more that they’re not entitled to have. They also must report gifts of $50 or more.
The tip sheet also emphasized against having “divided loyalties.”
“You may not meet with state agencies if you are being paid to do so (other than your legislative salary),” it read. “There are exemptions for filing or amendment of tax returns, permit or license applications and incorporation papers, and appearing before a state court or in a quasi-judicial proceeding. Your business partner is also restricted.”
On Beacon Hill, reminders never hurt.
Knows when you’re sleeping ...
A word of warning to Trump voters in Roxbury, however few of you there are: Watch out. There’s a congressman keeping an eye on you.
“This district voted 12 percent for Donald Trump,” U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano told a community meeting last Wednesday in the Boston neighborhood.
“And by the way, I know who they are,” he added, “and I know where they live.”