Federal authorities released 183 people from immigration detention centers in Georgia and other states last month after the Obama administration announced it is shielding millions of immigrants from deportation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed that number Tuesday but could not identify those released, say what criminal records they have — if any — or say where they were released. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday sent ICE a request for this information under the federal Freedom of Information Act.
Those released must periodically check in with ICE under “orders of supervision,” the federal agency said. Georgia is home to immigration detention centers in Lumpkin and Ocilla. And the Atlanta City Detention Center also holds ICE detainees under contract with the federal government.
The Obama administration is shifting more of the focus of its immigration enforcement toward national security threats, convicted felons, gang members and people apprehended at the border. Those convicted of “significant or multiple” misdemeanors and those who illegally entered the U.S. after Jan. 1 of 2014 will also be targeted as will people who have failed to leave the U.S. after being ordered to do so.
Meanwhile, the government is planning to start offering temporary deportation deferrals and work permits to immigrants who don’t have legal status here but do have children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
“ICE has immediately started to screen individuals in our custody who may be affected by executive actions,” ICE said in a prepared statement issued Friday. “ICE will continue to focus its priorities on national security threats, convicted felons, gang members, and illegal entrants apprehended at the border.”
About the Author
