Gallatin Co. negotiates with ICE for use of detention center beds

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Gallatin County is in early discussions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide county detention center beds for undocumented immigrants.

ICE reached out to Sheriff Dan Springer about using 10 beds at the facility to hold people who are making their way to their process hearings.

Springer said the detention center has the capability to meet the need.

“We’ve been able to keep our numbers at a fairly decent average because of the way we run our program there at the detention center,” said Springer.

The detention center has a capacity of 200 beds and fills 168 beds per day on average. On the weekend, that number can run up to 180.

Right now, the facility has a 15% rate of people returning, meaning most offenders don't come back. This is a much lower rate than the national average of 50%.

Springer said he reached out to the Department of Corrections, and the agency is willing to get their inmates out of Gallatin County and into the prison system sooner to open up space for ICE beds.

NBC Montana spoke to Commissioner Scott MacFarlane who said the county isn’t interested in doing anything above and beyond what they’re currently doing now, but the county is open to a contract negotiation under the following terms:

• The county will consider a $135 bed nightly rate for 10 beds, whether or not the beds are full.
• Request assurances, legal documentations, or individuals are detained and held for a criminal offense.
• Reserve the right to terminate the agreement at any time, with 30 days’ notice, and consider up to a 12-month initial contract length.
• The county will not tolerate individuals being released into the community who were detained elsewhere.

If this plan moves forward, the county could earn $492,750 annually.

MacFarlane said if Springer brings a contract for consideration, the proposed plan will be discussed in a future Commission meeting.