Following President Donald Trump's executive order allowing federal authorities to enforce immigration laws, the Mobile County sheriff is offering assistance in housing federal inmates.
According to Sheriff Paul Burch, Mobile County has the largest jail in the state. However, federal standards must be met to house federal inmates. Burch said the standard he needs to meet is decreasing overcrowding, and he believes he can make that happen. He said he's already spoken with local judges about adding around 30 beds.
"Overcrowding is the only thing that has been an obstacle," he said. "You know, the U.S. Marshals have asked us for several years to be able to house federal inmates awaiting trial and those types of things, and I still do some on a case-by-case basis for short-term. But it's the overcrowding that is the issue."
Burch said the sheriff's office already transports inmates to federally approved jails. He confirmed there have been more transports since Trump signed the executive order.
"We're in it to keep the community safe, and I'll do whatever I can to help facilitate that and to keep the community safe, and that's my duty as sheriff," Burch added. "I always say I'm also the CEO of the largest all-inclusive resort in the state of Alabama and we will also give you a ride if need be."
According to the United States Marshals Service, non-federal facility jail standards for federal inmates are derived from the American Correctional Association Standards and reviewed to ensure they are safe and humane and protect prisoners' statutory and constitutional rights. Written policies conforming to those standards must be in place, and facilities are regularly inspected.
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