Immigration battle brewing between cops

RISP leader issues biting statement aimed at Prov.


Updated: Wednesday, 23 Feb 2011, 6:58 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 23 Feb 2011, 5:18 PM EST


PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The state’s top cop is taking aim at his predecessor for opposing a controversial federal immigration program, a move he labeled "dangerous and irresponsible."

Rhode Island State Police Col. Brendan Doherty released a statement Wednesday reaffirming his department's commitment to working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when checking on the immigration status of a person charged with a crime.

The statement comes after Steven Pare, Providence's new public safety commissioner – and Doherty's predecessor as head of the state police – first told Eyewitness News he had asked the federal government if the city can opt out of the “Secure Communitiesâ€