New Curbs Set on Arrests of Illegal Immigrants
July 12, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
The Department of Homeland Security said Friday it was revising a program that authorized local police to enforce federal immigration law — a controversial aspect of U.S. border policy.
Opponents said the program, known as 287g, was intended to identify criminal aliens but instead has led to racial profiling; it allowed local police to identify and arrest illegal immigrants for such minor infractions as a broken tail light. Program supporters said it has been an effective tool for combating illegal immigration.
The new guidelines sharply reduce the ability of local law enforcement to arrest and screen suspected illegal immigrants. They are intended to prevent sheriff and police departments from arresting people “for minor offenses as a guise to initiate removal proceedings,” according to Homeland Security. The program will instead focus on more serious criminals.
“In a world of limited resources, our view is that we need to focus first and foremost on people committing crimes in our community who should not be here,” said John Morton, Assistant Secretary of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Morton said his agency would sign new contracts with local law enforcement that would bolster federal oversight.
RE: “it allowed local police to identify and arrest illegal immigrants for such minor infractions as a broken tail light.”
What exactly is wrong with that?
The problem here is that somebody in the new administration doesn’t think illegal aliens should go back to their homeland.
I agree with Jeff
Jeff says:
7/13/2009 at 7:21 am
RE: “it allowed local police to identify and arrest illegal immigrants for such minor infractions as a broken tail light.”
What exactly is wrong with that?
The problem here is that somebody in the new administration doesn’t think illegal aliens should go back to their homeland.
My next question to Homeland Security is: What part of Illegal Immigrant do you not understand ? I thought Illegal meant against the LAW ?? Am I missing something here ?
ILLEGALS ARE BREAKING THE LAW, JUST BY BEING IN THIS COUNTRY. I DON’T CARE WHERE THEY COME FROM, SEND THEM BACK.
I think Janet and her people are more interested in monitoring our soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan than illegals entering this country from God knows where. It’s sad that our government doesn’t care to protect our country more and dishonors our soldiers.
WHAT PART OF “ILLEGAL” ARE WE AS AMERICANS FAILING TO UNDERSTAND! There is a proper way to enter this country and those that fail to enter properly should have no rights… “illegal” is “illegal” no matter what the CRIMINAL OFFENSE.