Kentucky county jails see federal immigration budgets swell, pushing some facilities past capacity

Campbell County Jailer Jim Daley manages a facility with a $17 million annual budget, but he describes his administrative control as limited. The county jail currently houses 57 federal prisoners, many of whom are immigrants detained under increased federal enforcement. Campbell County receives $88 per day for each of these inmates. Daley stated that this revenue allows the jail to offset costs, reducing the burden on local taxpayers. "That's why we hold federal inmates," Daley said. "It’s to try [be] very cognizant of spending local taxpayer dollars. So if I can offset those, that's very important to me."

Kentucky is the only state where county jailers are elected officials. This position often serves as a political launchpad. Kyle Ellison, a former Department of Corrections parole and probation officer, noted the close relationship between jailers and state legislators. Former state Senator John Schickel began his career as Boone County Jailer before winning a seat in the state Senate in 2009. Schickel retired in 2024 but is currently running for Boone County Commissioner. In Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties, jailer races are on the ballot this year, but all candidates are running unopposed. Daley plans to retire at the end of his current term.

Several Kentucky counties have agreements with the Department of Homeland Security to house federal immigration detainees. Kenton County operates under a 287(g) agreement, while Boone and Campbell counties have separate contracts. In July, Campbell County held 135 immigrants, Boone County held 221, and Kenton County held 151. Recent federal rule changes have increased the length of detention for individuals awaiting immigration trials, placing strain on facilities designed for short-term stays. Kenton County is currently 87 inmates over capacity, and Boone County is 24 over, according to weekly Department of Corrections data. Jails in Grayson and Jefferson counties are approximately 150 inmates over capacity.

Jailers are not required to publish a public roster of immigrants in their custody, only to report total numbers to federal authorities. Ellison suggested that voters should question elected officials about this transparency. Daley indicated he does not support changing the policy immediately. He noted that detainees have access to telephones and video visitation upon arrival. "As soon as they get there, they have access to telephones," Daley said. "They have access to video visitation. So if their family doesn't know where they're at, that's not on the jail, that's on them."

In July, three U.S. representatives visited the Campbell County Detention Center and reported overcrowding and limited medical access. Daley said the claims were false. In October, he stated that the representatives had a specific agenda. Ellison observed that while state inspectors can flag overcrowding, state prisons often lack the space to absorb the excess population. "The question is: what happens then?" Ellison asked. "And what happens then is basically nothing, because the state prisons don't have the room to put those people should they enforce the law."

Daley expects his successor to continue expanding the jail's programs and budget. The incumbent's former employee is running unopposed for the position. Daley expressed confidence in the continuity of operations. "I think he'll do a fine job," he said.