Feds track jailed gang members' immigration status
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 03/10/2007 09:57:25 PM PST


LOS ANGELES- A recent spot check by federal agents found that 59 street gang members in Southern California jails are illegal immigrants subject to deportation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement named the deportable gang members during a first-of-its-kind screening of some inmates last month.

The review is continuing, and in the first year officials expect to identify up to 800 gang members who are in this country illegally, said Jim Hayes, director of the Los Angeles field office.

The focus on inmates' immigration status comes as Los Angeles pushes for federal agencies to help crack down on gang crime.

The report has sparked a debate over the role of border enforcement in combating the gang problem.

Some officials say it also shows the need for agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, to loosen policies that generally prohibit officers from asking about the immigration status of anyone they question.

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