Fast-track screening for illegal immigrants launched

The Sheriff’s Department will be the first law enforcement agency in California to use a comprehensive system designed to streamline the identification and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, officials announced Tuesday.

Under the new program that begins today, called “Secure Communities,” every person booked into jail throughout San Diego County will be screened to determine his or her criminal and immigration history, said Lauren Mack, spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/26/bn26migrant082226/?metro&zIndex=105641By Debbi Baker — San Diego Union-Tribune