“I have the utmost respect for the United States Border Patrol agents, as well as all Immigration authorities. However, I feel it is necessary that I clarify the facts concerning our initial encounter with Juan Emmanuel Razo on July 7, 2015.”

“When our deputy sheriffs approached him he was extremely nervous, sweating profusely, and making every attempt to avoid eye contact. When questioned he provided a false name, was unable to give any type of identification, and he admitted to being in the United States illegally.”

“As the conversations progressed Razo became less and less communicative, and he would not again admit to the Border Patrol, as he did to the deputies initially, that he was in the United States illegally.

“Subsequently the deputies requested the Border Patrol to issue a detainer/hold authorization to keep Razo in custody. The deputies explained that the Sheriff’s Office could not further detain Razo legally without authorization from immigration authorities. Border Patrol would not issue a detainer.

“Without legal authority to further detain Razo, he was released. Until recently detainers were routinely issued when requested.

“Our Office provided Razo’s information to the Border Patrol, including his name and address. Why this information was never followed up on by Border Patrol agents is something for them to answer. It is important to note that when our Office contacted the Department of Homeland Security this week regarding Razo’s immigration status, it took two days to finally receive confirmation of Razo’s illegal status.

“The fact is current rules and regulations are making it extremely difficult for any police officer on the street to know which laws they can or cannot enforce in the area of undocumented persons.