Bill would make immigrant trafficking a state crime

January 30, 2011 9:48 PM
VALLEY MORNING STAR

AUSTIN — Freshman state Rep. J.M. Lozano, D-Kingsville, has filed a bill that would make trafficking undocumented immigrants a state crime, enforceable by local law enforcement officers such as sheriff’s deputies.

As it stands now, transporting an undocumented immigrant is a federal crime, typically enforced by such agencies as the Border Patrol.

Willacy County Sheriff Larry Spence said Friday that he has not seen the bill. However, he said “we’re not out there looking to enforce immigration laws.â€