GREENSBORO -- North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole has held several meetings with sheriffs around the state the past few weeks to discuss the problem of crime and illegal immigrants. "And do everything we can to help our sheriffs who are out on the front lines," said Dole.

A handful of Triad-area sheriffs were involved in the latest meeting in Greensboro. They estimate in some cases up to 40 percent of their crime involves illegal immigrants.

"Everything from prostitution, drugs, trespass, driving while impaired," said Guilford Sheriff B.J. Barnes, "the whole gamut of crimes we have out there, and they're committing a lot of them."

Authorities say it can be difficult to identify illegal immigrants, and difficult to move them through the judicial system and then there's the issue of jail overcrowding.

"It's already stuffed," said Barnes of the jails.

Several federal initiatives were discussed that could help, including one called 287 G, that would allow deputies to share and access more information to identify illegals and begin deportation proceedings.

Alamance County has done that with 245 illegal immigrants charged with crimes since the program started in June. "That has made a significant impact," said Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson, "and has also made Alamance County a much safer place."

The sheriffs say they're considering a regional partnership on the program and other approaches to dealing with the problem.

Dole says that's an important part of homeland security, and addressing the issue of illegal immigration "If you want to feel safe and secure in your homes, this part of it needs to be done," she said, "because nothing else really matters, does it, if you can't feel secure."