Northern Kentucky's ICE Detainees: Who Are They Really?

Northern Kentucky is experiencing a significant increase in ICE detainees, with numbers projected to more than double by the end of the year. But who are these individuals, and why are they being held? The answer may surprise you.

The Truth About the Detainees

• Less than 2% have committed violent crimes.
• The majority face minor charges such as traffic violations or drug offenses.
• Over 40% have not been charged with any crime at all. They are detained solely for immigration violations, which are typically civil offenses.

The Financial Impact

Counties are benefiting financially from these detentions:

• Boone County earned $4.5 million last year from its ICE contract.
• Three counties have already made at least $5.2 million this year from detaining immigrants.
• It's becoming a lucrative business for local jurisdictions.

Origins of the Detainees

• Detainees come from 59 different countries.
• The majority are from Mexico and Guatemala.
• Nearly all are men.
• Some choose voluntary departure to avoid deportation, allowing them a chance to return legally later.

Duration of Detention

• Detention lengths vary widely:
• Some are held for only a day.
• Others remain for over 200 days.
• The average detention is 43 days.

Why the Increase?

The surge in detentions is due to:

• Increased federal resources.
• New contracts with local jails.
• Jails are earning more from ICE detainees than from their own inmates, making it a prioritized use of resources.

Kenton County's Expanded Role

• Kenton County has expanded its cooperation with ICE.
• They have signed agreements to have specially trained officers handle ICE detainees.
• However, these programs have not yet started because ICE has not provided the necessary training.