Friday, 07/13/07

Wilson jail may screen immigrants
Sheriff seeks federal program

By EMILIE YAM
Staff Writer


Wilson County sheriff's deputies could begin checking the immigration status of people in the county jails under a federal program already used in Davidson County.

The program has been criticized by some immigration advocates who say it mostly affects immigrants who are committing minor offenses, not serious crimes.




David Lubell, director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said Wilson County would not benefit from it.

"This program, in a place like Wilson County, is very unnecessary," he said. "I hope the Wilson County taxpayers realize how much they'll be spending going after immigrant parents who are doing nothing more than driving without a license."

If Wilson County's application is approved, the sheriff's department could receive federal training and equipment allowing deputies to identify and help deport illegal immigrants arrested in the county.

"We seem to have an influx of folks who are not abiding by the law who were born in foreign countries," said Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe.

If approved for the program, the sheriff would ask governments in the county to fund it.

Six officers needed

Ashe said he would need at least six trained officers for the program, which he says would only target illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes such as DUI, theft and aggravated assault.

"Those are the only people that I'm concerned about," he said. "I'm not trying to separate families."

Phil Hodges, owner of Pop's Barber Shop in Lebanon, said he would support such a program.

"I have no problem with our government, local sheriff's department doing their job and sending them back," he said. "To me, if you come into this country illegally, you have no rights."

Bedford County has also applied for the program; Rutherford County's application has been approved.



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