Sheriffs in seven states have turned their jails into ICE detention centers amid a national surge in immigration enforcement, The New York Times reports.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding about 59,000 people, far exceeding the agency’s capacity of 41,500 beds, according to internal government data obtained by CBS News, making jails a convenient tool for the federal government.

“We’re essential,” Jonathan Thompson, executive director and CEO of the National Sheriffs’ Association, told the news outlet. “ICE can’t do what they need to do under the current circumstances without sheriffs and our jails.”

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