U.S. Aid Sought for the Jailing of Immigrants : Services: County wants $2 million from emergency fund to house inmates who are here illegally. There’s little optimism for action.

Joining a nationwide effort to hold the federal government accountable for immigration woes, Orange County wants $2.06 million in reimbursement for the costs of housing illegal immigrants in local jails and detention facilities.

Orange County Administrator Ernie Schneider has alerted the U.S. Department of Justice that he is preparing a formal request for federal money from the Immigration Emergency Fund.

In a letter, Schneider contends that illegal immigrants are worsening the county’s chronic jail crowding. The crowding has led to early releases of other inmates, creating an “emergency” that poses a “substantial risk” to Orange County residents.

The move is unrelated to the county’s recent bankruptcy filing, officials said. And while any federal relief would be especially welcome at this time, county officials concede that the application for federal reimbursement is a long shot.

“Let’s just say we’re not standing around waiting for the check,” said Bob Wilson, manager of forecast and analysis at the county administrative office. “But we wanted to let them know as soon as possible that we think this a cost that we shouldn’t have to pay.”

Justice Department spokeswoman Anna Cobian said Thursday that the Immigration Emergency Fund established in the late 1980s is designated for “mass migration emergencies.” She said she could not discuss the county’s chances of receiving reimbursement from the fund.

But another Justice Department official, who asked not to be identified, said the funds are for “true emergencies. And it doesn’t look like (the situation in Orange County) is a true emergency.”

With its request, Orange County joins a nationwide demand for the federal government to financially help states grappling with the costs of illegal immigration.

In Texas, state officials Thursday said they will likely press their lawsuit seeking up to $5 billion in federal compensation for the costs of illegal immigration, despite a federal judge’s indication that he will dismiss the suit.

Ron Dusek, spokesman for state Atty. Gen. Dan Morales, said Texas will likely appeal a negative ruling to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

The state argues that the federal government violated its constitutional responsibility to control immigration and therefore should cover the cost. Texas also maintains that the federal government takes in tax dollars from illegal immigrants but fails to compensate states for services that are provided.

In California, Gov. Pete Wilson followed the lead of Texas and Florida by suing the federal government for reimbursement for the cost of illegal immigration. Public outrage led California voters last month to pass Proposition 187, a measure restricting government services for illegal immigrants.

In response to such concerns, the federal government earlier this year promised $33.4 million to California to defray the state’s costs of imprisoning illegal immigrants.

But that money is not earmarked for county disbursement, officials said.

A recent study of Orange County’s four detention facilities found that at least 175 of the 5,000 people in custody had been designated as suspected illegal immigrants by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. It costs about $33 a day to house an inmate.

The total number of illegal immigrants in custody, including those who have not caught the attention of the INS, could be higher, according to the county’s letter, dated Oct. 28 but just now disclosed.

Amin David, chairman of Los Amigos of Orange County, said he has no problem with seeking federal reimbursement for illegal immigrants, but he fears that, too often, the INS focuses its attention on Latinos.

“If they are going to do this, they should go after everyone,” he said.

Orange County’s Wilson said he has been pleased so far with the Justice Department’s response to the county’s letter.

Federal officials have been informally discussing ways to help the county, such as moving illegal immigrants into INS custody more quickly, freeing up bed space in the county jails for other inmates.

Orange County Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez said he’s optimistic and believes that the federal government is finally recognizing the states’ immigration problems.

“I think there has been a clear indication that the federal government will be escalating its involvement in this issue,” Vasquez said. “That’s why we need to stake a claim with the federal government as soon as possible. Hopefully there will be a quick turnaround here.”