Rob Orr: Involve law enforcement in our illegal immigration problems

Editor’s note: State Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, and four other North Texas lawmakers — Linda Harper-Brown, R- Irving, Jim Jackson, R- Carrollton, Jerry Madden, R- Richardson, and Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, wrote the following opinion column.

It’s no secret the federal government has repeatedly failed to enforce immigration laws. Thus states and communities have been left to bear that burden. Many states and their communities have risen to this challenge; Texas and its local communities must do the same.

This year alone, 23 state and local agencies in various states have entered into agreements with the federal government that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Arizona and New Mexico both declared a state of emergency to direct funds to address illegal immigration. Additionally, Oklahoma and Georgia have each passed comprehensive bills to address the problems and costs of illegal immigration.

Texas has taken steps to abate the problems of illegal immigration as well. The Legislature appropriated $100 million to border security initiatives. Operations Wrangler, Linebacker and Rio Grande have proven successful in reducing crime along the 1,200 miles of international border that Texas shares with Mexico. These initiatives have decreased border crime by about 60 percent in border counties.

At the local level, the city of Irving has enacted an impressive and efficient program to deal with criminal illegal immigrants. Irving works closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to verify the residency status of individuals who are arrested on other charges. If Irving police arrest an individual here illegally, that person is then transferred to the custody of federal officers.

It is imperative that other communities follow Irving’s lead by adopting a Criminal Alien Program of their own.

After speaking directly with Department of Public Safety field officers, it is clear that our law enforcement is not only capable, but willing to take on the responsibility of helping secure our borders. Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act gives state and local law enforcement the legal authority to investigate, detain and arrest illegal aliens on both civil and criminal grounds. We would like to see the DPS enter into a 287g agreement with ICE so officers may receive the necessary authorization and training they need to take action when they encounter illegal aliens.

DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said earlier this month, “Our stance has always been that we don’t enforce immigration policy.â€