HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) - Beaufort County authorities have
identified 170 inmates in their jail as illegal immigrants.

The county is two months into a three-month crackdown on illegal
immigrants. Federal agents have been at the jail to begin
deportation proceedings against people who are in the U.S.
illegally.

Sheriff P.J. Tanner tells The Island Packet of Hilton Head that
the next step will be investigating companies suspected of hiring
illegal immigrants.

Tanner says he has heard the crackdown has led a number of
illegal immigrants to leave the area.

Community leader Juan Campos says the crackdown is breaking up
families and creating fears that deputies are stopping suspected
illegal immigrants for minor violations like having a car light
out.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)