Federal agents have only intermittently visited other city jails. In Anaheim, for example, the last time a federal agent did immigration checks was about two months ago, said Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez.
Inmates recommended for deportation have a hearing before a federal judge. If deportation is ordered, the inmates are held without bond while the original case goes though the justice system.
Any jail time is served before deportation.
Costa Mesa resident Judi Berry said the federal intervention was a relief because there were many repeat offenders.
"If we get one criminal like that off the streets every month, it would be wonderful," Berry said.
Ivan Calderon, a restaurateur and Latino activist, said the federal enforcement would drive immigrants underground and make them reluctant to contact the police.
"As people get arrested for minor violations and are deported, the word is going to get out, and people will be afraid," Calderon said.
Amin David, who heads a Latino advocacy group, Los Amigos of Orange County, is closely monitoring the arrests.
"What concerns me is that for a misdemeanor, they are taken to jail and will be forever unable to get documentation in this country," David said. "The community will realize this and not cooperate with police. The thugs know that and can go in and ravage the Latino community. They know they will not call the police."
Carver said the misdemeanor suspects referred for deportation constituted a "tiny percentage" of those booked into the jail, suggesting that a chilling effect would not occur.
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jennifer.delson@latimes.com
