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Financial Strain on Knox County Sheriff’s Office from ICE Contract
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has faced significant financial challenges due to its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to internal records, the department has lost approximately $128,000 between January and May of this year. This loss stems from a long-standing agreement that allows KCSO to house ICE detainees as part of the 287(g) program. While ICE provides some reimbursement for these inmates, it falls short of covering the full cost of their detention.
Understanding the Cost Discrepancy
Under the 287(g) program, KCSO initially billed ICE at a rate of $83 per inmate per day. However, in February, this rate was increased to $114. Despite this adjustment, the actual cost of housing an inmate is estimated to be around $140 per day. This discrepancy results in a daily loss of approximately $26 per inmate.
A KCSO spokesperson highlighted the financial burden, stating, “The current cost assessment is at $140 per day and with the new Marshals/ICE Contract we are reimbursed $114 per day.” Additionally, the spokesperson noted that there is no reimbursement for inmates arrested by other agencies such as the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), or University of Tennessee Police Department (UTPD). This means that the cost of detaining these individuals falls entirely on taxpayers.
Monthly Breakdown of Financial Losses
Over the past few months, the financial impact has been substantial:
- January: KCSO billed ICE $23,406 for 282 housing days at $83 per day. At the estimated cost of $140 per day, this would have amounted to $39,480, resulting in a loss of $16,074.
- February: The bill increased to $81,624 for 716 housing days at $114 per day. At the higher cost of $140 per day, this would have totaled $100,240, leading to a loss of $18,616.
- March: The invoice reached $103,512. Although the number of housing days was not listed, the rate of $114 per day suggests 908 days, which would have cost $127,120, resulting in a loss of $23,608.
- April: The total billing was $172,140 for 1,510 days at the contract rate. At $140 per day, this would have cost $211,400, leading to a loss of $39,260.
- May: The bill was $134,406 for 1,179 days at the contract rate. At the higher cost of $140 per day, this would have amounted to $165,060, resulting in a loss of $30,654.
When combined, these monthly losses add up to approximately $128,212 between January and May. It is important to note that this figure is an estimate based on the average cost of housing an inmate. Some cases may have incurred higher costs, while others may have been less expensive.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The financial strain on KCSO has sparked discussions about the sustainability of the 287(g) program. In recent months, more East Tennessee agencies have joined the program, including the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Grainger County Sheriff’s Office, and Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. However, not all communities support the initiative.
Norris City Council had planned to discuss joining the program but instead chose to remove the item from their agenda. This decision reflects growing concerns among local leaders about the financial and ethical implications of participating in the 287(g) program.
KCSO has been part of the 287(g) program since 2018. During this time, the department has also received state reimbursement for housing non-ICE inmates at a rate of $41 per day. However, this funding does not apply to ICE detainees, further exacerbating the financial burden on the county.
Despite the losses, a KCSO spokesperson confirmed to 6 News that the office does lose money on the contract, though it is considered a relatively small amount compared to other operational expenses. Still, the ongoing financial strain raises questions about the long-term viability of the program and its impact on local taxpayers.
