http://www.khou.com

http://www.khou.com/sharedcontent/Video ... 4&catId=35

Mayor announces change in HPD immigration policy

11:22 AM CDT on Friday, September 29, 2006

From 11 News Staff Reports


Changes are on the way for Houston police officers dealing with suspected illegal immigrants.

The new plan affects the city jail.

Suspected immigrants detained on minor violations will be fingerprinted.

The same rule would apply to anyone with an ID police believe is questionable.

The information will be sent to federal authorities.

Mayor Bill White said the change affects many.

“For routine traffic violations or for people brought in for routine traffic violations -- when an officer is suspicious we are looking at the standard procedures that we use to make sure that, whether it be a citizen or non-citizen, if there is anybody out there that’s wanted or should be wanted nothing slips through the cracks," said the mayor.

This policy review comes one week after Houston Police Officer Rodney Johnson was killed in the line of duty.

Juan Leonardo Quintero, an illegal immigrant who Johnson detained on a traffic stop, is charged with capital murder.

Mayor White said the city will make an official announcement on the policy review Sunday.