Defuniak Springs Illegal Immigrants

Illegal immigration isn't only affecting Walton County taxpayers’ money, it's also affecting their lives.
Reporter: Elyse Molstad
June 20, 2007

Defuniak Springs Police have arrested illegal immigrants for everything from drivers' license violations to possession of heroin.

However, the real problem lies with the federal government's lack of action to do anything about the immigrants once they've been detained by local authorities.

"We're not asking them anything other than asking the multi-billion dollar agency to do the job for which it is chartered to do," Adkinson said.

Officers know the neighborhoods where the illegals’ live, play, and work, but can't do anything about it except make arrests once that person violates the law.

Adkinson says once that arrest is made the taxpayer starts to pay.

Adkinson says a taxpayer is charged five times to just arrest one illegal immigrant.

A simple fender bender can cost the legal citizen dearly.

The first cost occurs when the citizens’ insurance rates go up, then the citizen's tax dollars will used to pay for twice the police power to arrest that person, the housing cost of jailing the illegal, and finally the court costs.

However, the loss of money isn't the only way illegals’ are affecting the citizens of Walton County.

Adkinson says, "We've had multiple deaths caused by illegal immigrants driving without licenses."

Adkinson is frustrated that his department is doing its job, but the federal government isn't doing its.

He says leaving the issue alone will only cause a break down in the system and he's not going to stop until something is done. "You're going to do your job or we are going to step up and find these individuals who can help make you do your job," he said.

Adkinson has spoken to Representative Ginny Brown and Congressman Jeff Miller who are also working on the issue.

Adkinson is introducing to the city council an ordinance preventing more than four unrelated persons to live in a single home without a special permit from the city.

He is hoping the permit will hold landlords responsible for renting to illegals’ and thus starting a ripple affect.

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