Virginia getting tough on immigration

Date created: 3/4/2008 8:18:52 AM
Last updated: 3/4/2008 8:22:07 AM

Police officers in a Virginia County are now trained to check the citizenship status of suspects no matter how minor the crime.
It's one of the most aggressive efforts nationwide to combat illegal immigration.

If you're an illegal immigrant in Prince William County, these lights could be a very un-welcome sight.

Chief Charlie Deane of the Prince William County Police Department says "if they encounter someone, detain someone who they believe or have probable cause to believe is here illegally they will be checking further into their immigration status."

Prince William County's new illegal immigration crackdown started on Monday with a nearly $6.5 million price tag in its first year.

It requires officers to check a suspect's citizenship even for the most minor of crimes if they believe the person is in this country illegally.

But will the program pay off? Well, that depends on who you ask.

One resident says "why overtax our police force, you know, with this extra stuff when they're not hurting anybody?"

Another resident says "it cannot come soon enough."

Another resident says "why I hope things get better around here, you know."

Supporters assure us officers who received federal training for the program will not profile suspects.

Corey Stewart of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors says "all of these efforts are focused on illegal immigrants who commit crimes."

But as the program hits the road only time will tell if the program will pay off in the cash-strapped county.

John Friess, WRC-TV, Washington, DC
http://www.wbir.com/news/national/story ... ryid=55228