(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Marion County jail will no longer hold federal immigration detainees for more than 48 hours, as overcrowding and budget strain push the facility beyond its limits.
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal announced the change Monday, saying the Adult Detention Center is operating above its intended capacity and costing the county millions of dollars each year. The jail exceeded its 2,400-inmate cap over the weekend, prompting meetings with federal officials. Forestal said the jail is currently housing about 175 inmates who should be in state prison facilities, adding roughly $3 million a year in costs that were not included in the sheriff's budget approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council. He said the state reimburses the county $42 per inmate per day, while the actual cost is closer to $85. Following discussions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the sheriff's office will continue to honor ICE detainers but will limit how long detainees are held. ICE has agreed to transfer individuals to other facilities within 48 hours. Forestal warned that without changes, the sheriff's office may need to request additional funding from the city-county council. He also pointed to recent changes in Indiana's bail rules, which increased bond amounts and are expected to further increase the jail population. The announcement comes as immigration enforcement has drawn increased public attention, including recent protests tied to state and federal detention agreements. "We cannot continue to operate like this," Forestal said, adding that long-term solutions will be needed to keep the jail within capacity and ensure public safety. The primary election is scheduled for May.