The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has invited U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement into the Lerdo Jail to help the agency deport dangerous criminals in the country illegally.

Sheriff Donny Youngblood says they have an agreement in principle with ICE, similar to a deal cut in Fresno County.

“They can have an office, they can look at people in custody, they can decide who needs to be deported and who doesn’t,” he said.

Youngblood says the agreement would let ICE take migrants into federal custody upon their release from jail. Currently, the county lets those inmates walk after finishing their sentences.

– Anthony Pollreisz