Texas considers Arizona-style immigration laws

Posted: Sunday, February 13, 2011 9:00 pm

James Cannon
Midland Reporter-Telegram | 2 comments

Texas' debate on illegal immigration continues this legislative session with the proposal of an Arizona-style immigration bill.

The bill, House Bill 311, would require law enforcement to inquire about immigration status if a person is arrested, regardless of the nature of the crime.


Although Gov. Rick Perry has called for the abolishment of "sanctuary cities" and has said it was top priority of this legislative session, he has said that he is not in support of any law that would demand police officers inquire about people's immigration status upon arrest.

But many legislators, specifically in the bordertown of El Paso, have decried the legislation and said the House should focus on reducing crime.

"Instead of focusing on keeping crime off our streets, police will begin to focus more on a person's immigration status than catching criminals," Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, said in a news release.

Rodriguez and several other lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, repeatedly have said the bill could potentially increase crime and divert much needed resources and time.

Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, said most law enforcement officers in the Midland-Odessa area already do ask about or check on a suspect's immigration status and that other officers around the state may have to move in that direction, as well.

"There are multiple bills out there," he said. "There's a lot of concerns from sheriff's offices and police departments (about the mandate) ... I think that's just going to have to be worked out."

Craddick is a member of the state affairs committee that will consider all of these immigration bills and said the issue will be addressed during the current session.

Sen. Kel Seliger also said he would support police officers asking about immigration status, but said only if police have reason to believe someone is in violation of immigration laws.

Perry's office has said that there were many bills that mandated officers inquire about the status, but said any bill that would specifically require officers to ask would not receive his support.

Kathleen Thurber contributed to this report.

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