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June 8, 2017
Noticing that the Trump DOJ budget predicts a 2% growth in the federal prison population in fiscal year 2018
The Wall Street Journal has this new article noting that the Trump Administration is already making plans for an increased federal prison population. The article is headlined "Federal Prison Population Expected to Grow Under Trump: Increase is anticipated in prosecutions of illegal immigrants, drug offenders." Here is how it gets started:
The federal prison population is expected to grow next year by 4,171 to a total of 191,493 as the Trump administration steps up prosecutions of illegal immigrants and drug offenders, reversing the trend toward a smaller prison population under former President Barack Obama.
That estimate of 2% growth in fiscal 2018 was tucked into in a Justice Department budget proposal posted online after the Trump administration's broader spending plan was released two weeks ago. The proposed budget also calls for 300 new federal prosecutors and 75 new immigration judges.
June 8, 2017 at 10:45 PM | Permalink
Comments
But Trump hasnt replaced the multitude that hes fired, so for now this is more hot air.
Posted by: MidWestGuy | Jun 8, 2017 11:54:22 PM
This states that it is just the Dept of Justice. There will be additional growth of incarceration within Homeland Security as ICE also detains more immigrants.
While the rhetoric has been about focusing on violent criminal immigrants, the US recently deported someone whose crime was a DUI 14 years ago. He's a business owner, lets the USDA do some experiments om his land and is supporting his three kids. He has paperwork in to get legal status, but ICE is deporting him - and under the rules he cannot reenter the country for 10 years.
A Judge who agreed the court did not have the power to spot the deportation nevertheless wrote to explain the injustice of the situation
https://takecareblog.com/blog/a-deportation-that-diminishes-not-only-our-country-but-our-courts
"We are unable to prevent Magana Ortiz’s removal, yet it is contrary to the values of this nation and its legal system. Indeed, the government’s decision to remove Magana Ortiz diminishes not only our country but our courts, which are supposedly dedicated to the pursuit of justice. Magana Ortiz and his family are in truth not the only victims. Among the others are judges who, forced to participate in such inhumane acts, suffer a loss of dignity and humanity as well. I concur as a judge, but as a citizen I do not."
Posted by: Paul | Jun 9, 2017 10:12:35 AM
The obvious assumption is this is about drugs, but it would be interesting if DOJ started seeking longer sentences for illegal reentry offenders. I doubt judges would go along for the most part, but it seems like the administration should at least discontinue fast track if it wants to put its money where its mouth is.
Posted by: Jay | Jun 9, 2017 1:58:44 PM
