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Iowa Jail Error Wrongly Flagged Native American for ICE Hold

Officials now describe a clerical mix-up, with DHS saying she was never in ICE custody.

Overview

  • Polk County Sheriff’s Office said an ICE detainer intended for another inmate was mistakenly attached to 24-year-old Leticia Jacobo’s jail record.
  • Jacobo was held beyond her Nov. 11 release date and was freed Nov. 12 after relatives presented her birth certificate and contacted tribal leaders.
  • Homeland Security’s public affairs chief stated publicly that Jacobo was never in ICE custody.
  • Polk County participates in the 287(g) program, which authorizes trained local deputies to verify immigration status and issue detainers.
  • Jacobo’s family alleges discrimination and says it is weighing legal action, as the incident drew wide attention through a viral social media post.