Thread: Number of Alabama troopers on immigration duty increases

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/l...l/13212400.htm

Associated Press


ANNISTON, Ala. - Gov. Bob Riley spoke at the graduation ceremony for 23 additional troopers added to the state's rolls with training to make immigration arrests - doubling the number to date.

The troopers finished a nearly six-week training course at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston.

Riley said Friday the first 21 that graduated since the agreement was signed in 2003 have made almost 150 arrests of illegal aliens.

Many of those had previous criminal convictions, including armed robbery, rape and drug smuggling. Others were also charged with other crimes such as illegal possession of firearms and Social Security fraud.

Local police do not have jurisdiction to arrest aliens for being in the state illegally. That authority is only placed in the hands of immigration agents.

Alabama is one of only a few southern states with troopers trained to arrest illegal aliens. Florida and Arkansas also have troopers trained and Tennessee is taking steps to begin training their troopers.

Speaking to the graduates and about 60 officials and family members, Riley described the troopers as "a second line of defense" in the war on terrorism.

Riley also pledged to push for an increase in the number of state troopers over the next two years, from 320 officers to 520, which he said he hopes will "take the pressure" off the graduates.

One graduate, Trooper Christopher Williams of Chambers County, said the course helped him network with other officers and federal agencies, which will help with his enforcement activities.

QUOTE:

Alabama is one of only a few southern states with troopers trained to arrest illegal aliens. Florida and Arkansas also have troopers trained and Tennessee is taking steps to begin training their troopers.

In Florida I think they need a repeat course. Probably Arkansas too.