Thread: I-40 Accident Prompts NC Lawmaker to Push for Tougher Laws

http://www.wral.com/news/9252060/detail.html

I-40 Accident Prompts Lawmaker To Push For Tougher State Immigration Laws


POSTED: 7:01 am EDT May 22, 2006
UPDATED: 8:53 pm EDT May 22, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Should local authorities have the power to detain illegal immigrants? It's part of a nationwide issue that at least one state lawmaker wants addressed in North Carolina.

The issue resurfaced Monday after an early-morning accident along part of Interstate 40 in Wake County that forced some motorists to find alternate routes.

At about 6:35 a.m., a van overturned near the Airport Boulevard exit in Wake County.

Although no one was seriously injured, at least two other vehicles were damaged, and the overturned van blocked two left lanes causing traffic to be detoured around the accident. Eastbound traffic was backed up for miles and caused onlooker delays in the westbound lanes.

Initially, authorities searched for the driver of the van, who they believe had fled the scene. Later however, authorities realized that the person who caused the accident might have been driving a red Toyota.

Troopers said that was just the start of the confusion because three men involved in the crash claimed they couldn't speak English.

They had no driver's licenses, no identification and nothing to prove who they were.



A van overturned on Interstate 40 Monday morning causing traffic problems and forcing motorists to take detours. Although no one was seriously injured, at least two other vehicles were damaged.


Although there was a language barrier, the trooper working the case took down what information he could, and released who he described as three Hispanic men.

"It's astounding that something wasn't done to take these men into custody," said Rep. Russell Capps, R-Wake. "There were totally undocumented, as I understand it. They had no driver's licenses, nothing to identify them, and yet they've gone free."

Capps said the accident is a prime example of the immigration problem in North Carolina and that the way it was handled is a concern.

"I think the No. 1 issue in America, right now, is immigration and what we're going to do about our borders. This certainly doesn't help the case at all. In fact, it infuriates me, and I'm sure it infuriates your viewers."

Motorists who were involved in the accident were initially told that since authorities could not identify the driver of the van, there would probably not be any charges filed in the case.

A Highway Patrol spokesman, however, said authorities do not intend to drop the case and that they are still compiling information.

"We don't know who the driver was. We are still following up on leads," said Lt. Everett Clendenin, of the state Highway Patrol. "We won't drop this. We will follow up on this."

The Highway Patrol insists its trooper did nothing wrong by not detaining the undocumented men. If the driver is found, he or she will be held accountable for all damage.

"North Carolina l leaves it up to the individual officer. It's his discretion to decide what type of action he's going to take," Clendenin said. "In this case, the trooper took names, and we're trying to seek the driver, and the proper action will be taken."

Capps said he plans to take the issue to the state Legislature and will push for increased enforcement of state immigration laws.

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, R-North Carolina, announced a program in Charlotte that would give local law enforcement the power to detain and deport illegal immigrants.

Nationally, the U.S. Senate moves closer to passing an immigration bill that includes tougher border security, a new guest-worker program and a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants.

The Senate hopes to vote on the proposed legislation before next week.

Reporter: Mark Roberts
Photographer: Chad Flowers
Web Editor: Kelly Gardner
Copyright 2006 by WRAL.com. All rights reser

Question, do you think if that had been me or you, legal american citizens with no insurance no driving licenses, we would have been free to go? I am tired of being discriminated against in my own country because I don't happen to be an illegal citizen,therefore I have to be proscecuted to the full extent of the law!

Troopers said that was just the start of the confusion because three men involved in the crash claimed they couldn't speak English.

They had no driver's licenses, no identification and nothing to prove who they were.



A van overturned on Interstate 40 Monday morning causing traffic problems and forcing motorists to take detours. Although no one was seriously injured, at least two other vehicles were damaged.


Although there was a language barrier, the trooper working the case took down what information he could, and released who he described as three Hispanic men.

This is pure insanity! ABsolutely against Americans who uphold the law & take responsibility for their actions.

Oh, to be illegal in America. Cause a traffic accident and walk free! No damages to pay, no problemo!



Rather like the jerk who backed into our car and wiped off half the paint on the bumper but wasn't polite enough to leave a note or anything.

When we left our information with the owner in case someone saw something a waitress said it had happened to her and "happens all the time."

We're out the deductible to have the bumper repainted.

If I ran into someone's car, I'd leave a note and suck up to the consequences. It's the right thing to do.

But if you're illegal you can crash and run. No problemo!

This is an important point. There has been a lot of talk about local law enforcement not being able to detain illegal aliens, yet we we cases out West where they do so. I have the feeling that when it really comes down to the facts, local law enforcement can enforce Federal laws. I know local law enforcement can arrest a felon for federal bank robbery or other Federal charges..so why not the federal charge of being an illegal alien?

Does anyone know of a case where the courts actually said that local law enforcement cannot enforce Federal Law violations? I have never heard of such a case. I do know that the President has the power to direct local law enforcement to enforce Federal Law. Also, any officer can be deputized to be a federal officer.

Should local authorities have the power to detain illegal immigrants?

Anyone in law enforcement should be able to detain anyone who is breaking the law. The question itself is just soooooooooo stupid.

Originally Posted by dlm1968

Should local authorities have the power to detain illegal immigrants?

Anyone in law enforcement should be able to detain anyone who is breaking the law. The question itself is just soooooooooo stupid.

Local Law Enforcement can enforce immigration laws. The problem is with the Feds. Too many times local LEOs detain an illegal and call ICE only to be told that they (ICE) isn't interested and to release the person. Also, most of our county jails are usually full with our own home grown criminals. ICE needs more officers for interior enforcement and more access to detention facilities.

Question, do you think if that had been me or you, legal american citizens with no insurance no driving licenses, we would have been free to go?

Proof once again, that the laws only apply to law-abiding American cititzens. We have have been sold out to the highest bidder, corporate America, and our Congress, is the best money can buy.

REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!

We have laws that require every person in this country to have proper ID.
This means that you must have a DL, DMV ID card, green card or a valid pass port with you at all times. Proper ID must be given to LEOs on demand. Failure to provide proper and valid ID is a crime.
This is just another law that is no longer enforced in an effort to aid and abet illegal immigrants as well as possible terrorists. This lawlessness should have ended right after 9/11 as the breakdown of law and order in this country is what allowed terrorists to commit the 9/11 attacks in the first place.

Troopers said that was just the start of the confusion because three men involved in the crash claimed they couldn't speak English.

I don't know if the Troopers actually said that. Sad to say, in this day in time it shouldn't be too hard to find someone who speaks Spanish to assist. Are there no Troopers that can speak basic Spanish? I know they have at least one but he must be too busy with his desk job educating the Latino population on driving safety. I also know there are professional translating services that are available to our public service people.