Law enforcement agencies not prepared to enforce new immigration law

The Gadsen Times
Officials waiting for judge's ruling
By Dana Beyerle
Times Montgomery Bureau
Published: Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:03 p.m.


MONTGOMERY — Alabama law enforcement agencies aren’t ready to enforce certain provisions of the new immigration law that go into effect Thursday.

The controversial bill signed into law in June by Gov. Robert Bentley requires agencies to begin checking the status of suspected illegal immigrants during normal traffic stops. That means training for on-line officers and supervisors — not to mention attorneys for law enforcement agencies.

The Justice Department and others sued the state in federal court seeking to halt the law’s implementation. U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn last week heard testimony, but has not ruled.

Since most agencies expected a lawsuit and anticipated a temporary stay, there hasn’t been any training conducted because it would be a waste of time and resources should a judge rule against the law.

“We’re in a holding pattern until we get a ruling (that) we have to enforce it,â€