Steuben County officials are responding to questions from residents about a proposed agreement that would allow federal prisoners to be housed at the Steuben County Jail.
In a statement released ahead of Wednesday’s County Legislature meeting, county leaders said the resolution on the agenda would authorize the sheriff to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States Marshals Service for the temporary housing of federal inmates.
Officials emphasized that the arrangement is not new. According to the county, Steuben County has maintained similar agreements with the U.S. Marshals Service for more than two decades, a practice that is common across New York State and the nation when jails have available space.
Under the agreement, federal prisoners are typically held while awaiting court appearances or transfer to federal facilities. The county is paid a daily rate for each inmate, which officials say helps offset the operating costs of the jail.
County leaders also addressed concerns about immigration enforcement, clarifying that the agreement does not create an ICE detention center or expand any current operations. They said the partnership simply continues an existing practice that has been in place for many years.
“We appreciate the feedback from residents and wanted to provide clarity on this topic,” officials said in the statement.
Additional discussion on the agreement is expected during the County Legislature meeting.
