Madera County transfers more inmates to ICE in 2025

Madera County, California, has seen a rise in the number of inmates released to federal immigration officials this year. So far in 2025, 7 to 8 inmates have been handed over to ICE, compared to just one in all of 2024. This increase comes as the Trump administration increases immigration enforcement. Madera County Assistant Sheriff Brian Esteves noted that federal officials seem more focused on coordinating with local authorities. Congressman Tom McClintock also mentioned a shift towards removing serious offenders first. However, advocate Stan Santos warned that the criteria for deportation have broadened significantly. California's law, SB 54, restricts local cooperation with ICE to those convicted of serious crimes. Esteves confirmed that all inmates handed over this year met those requirements. When inmates are about to be released, federal officials are notified to pick them up. The full impact of this crackdown on inmates in other counties will take time to assess. Fresno County plans to provide updates in May, while Merced County will do so in July. Other counties have yet to announce when they will release similar information. Since its implementation in 2018, SB 54 has limited how local authorities work with immigration officials. Some local politicians are now calling for changes to this law, and proposals are still being discussed.