Smith County Wants $6 Million to Upgrade Its Jail

Smith County could soon have the ability to house more federal inmates, but it would first need a $6 million federal grant to upgrade part of the county jail. Smith County Commissioners have approved the Sheriff's Office applying for the funding, which could turn more than 90 vacant beds into additional jail capacity. Smith County Commissioners gave the Sheriff's Office approval to apply for the federal grant which would upgrade part of the North Jail.

Why Smith County Wants $6 Million for the Jail

The Smith County North Jail facility is a low-risk facility currently and has 90+ vacant beds. With the application being made the facility could be upgraded to a medium-risk facility and it has to do with the 287(g) program, according to CBS 19.

READ MORE: Which East Texas Police Departments Work With ICE?

What Does the 287(g) Program Have to Do With It?

The sheriff's office is a part of the 287(g) program. Which means its deputies can enforce limited immigration authority as they perform their regular duties with Immigration and Customs Enforcement oversight.

The sheriff's office is asking for $6 million from the federal government. The money would be used to occupy those existing cells, allowing the county to house more federal inmates.

Smith County Pct. 1 Commissioner Christina Drewry questioned the potential cost of adding more inmates.

Smith County Pct. 3 Commissioner J. Scott Herod said housing federal inmates can generate income for Smith County.

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It Could Take Three Years to Get an Answer

The sheriff's office said it could take up to 36 months to even hear back on whether they were approved. There are requirements that the sheriff's office must follow to keep the grant.

As an East Texas resident do you want to see the approval granted or would you prefer to not house more federal inmates in East Texas? I'd love to know your thoughts. Email me anytime at billy.jenkins@townsquaremedia.com.