Watch CBS News

5 Washington County inmates released to ICE amid national immigration crackdown

Photos show ICE at Cranberry Township apartment complex
Photos show ICE at Cranberry Township apartment complex 03:02

WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- Washington County leaders say they've turned five undocumented immigrants facing criminal charges over to ICE this week amid a nationwide sweeping crackdown on immigration.

Washington County Public Affairs Director Patrick Geho said in a statement that Jose Turcios Salmeron, a foreign-born national from El Salvador, was one of the undocumented immigrants released to ICE from the county's correctional facility last week. He was being held on aggravated and simple assault charges stemming from an arrest earlier this month.

"I always say I'm a Christian first and a politician second," said Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman. "I believe we need to take care of people, but if we don't have enough money to take care of our seniors, we sure as heck should not be taking care of illegals in our prison system."

Geho says less than five individuals were released into ICE custody last year of the nearly 2,200 people who were arrested and released into the county. 

"This isn't the narrative of rounding people up, and, you know, crashing churches and going in there and getting people. These are violent criminals that are here illegally, broke the law," Sherman said. . 

Fayette and Westmoreland County leaders say they will cooperate with ICE

Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew said in a statement that the county cooperates with all law enforcement agencies, including ICE. 

"We notify the local ICE agent when an inmate in Westmoreland County is not a U.S. citizen, and we cooperate with ICE. Like Washington County, very few inmates are not U.S. citizens. This has been our policy for years, and we clarified that at a spring 2024 special prison board meeting."

Fayette County Commissioner Scott Dunn tells KDKA that as of Monday evening, the county has not released any inmates into the custody of ICE. He says if that situation arises, the county will fully cooperate with federal authorities.

Leaders from Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, and Greene counties have not responded to requests for comment. 

Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey says he won't be working with ICE

Mayor Ed Gainey said Monday while speaking to the Pennsylvania Press Club at a Harrisburg hotel that he would not be working with ICE.

"My administration will not work with ICE," Gainey said. "We will do whatever is necessary to make our city more welcoming."  

Earlier this month, Gainey said the city is working with local nonprofits to make sure people don't feel scared.

Allegheny County Jail doesn't contract with ICE, spokesperson says

Allegheny County Director of Communications Abigail Gardner tells KDKA that for around a decade now, the country's policy has been that its jail does not contract with ICE.

Gardner says that if people in Allegheny County were to be or have been arrested or detained by ICE agents, the county wouldn't be given such information. 

Allegheny County police said they haven't been requested to help with any ICE operations. A spokesperson for the department said they don't have a formal policy when it comes to helping federal agencies, and it's usually taken on a case-by-case basis. Historically, the department hasn't been asked to help with any ICE operations. 

ICE raids taking place throughout the country

Targeted immigration enforcement operations are underway throughout several U.S. cities including Chicago, Dallas, and Miami.

It's unclear if any raids have taken place throughout the Pittsburgh area.

KDKA has reached out to ICE officials for comment but hasn't heard back.   

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.