ICE detainees held in ND jail as space runs out

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Seventeen people detained by federal immigration agents are currently being held in the Burleigh County Detention Center.

The federal government is facing a severe shortage of immigration detention space, and has turned to local jails like the one in Bismarck to fill the gap.

Turns out, it’s not new. It’s just growing.

The Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department has worked with federal agencies for decades, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But lately, more detainees are being sent here, and they’re staying longer.

Major Trent Wangen, with the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department, said the change is tied to a national surge in immigration enforcement.

“There’s an increase in enforcement being conducted by ICE,” Wangen said. “And there is a limita