http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=3922823&nav=8fap

More Troopers to Arrest Illegal Aliens

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama will soon more than double the number of state troopers that have the authority to arrest illegal immigrants. Governor Bob Riley announced Friday that 25 state troopers will begin federal immigration law enforcement training next month at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston.

After completing the five-week training course in mid-November, the 25 state troopers will join 21 others who went through the special training in 2003. Alabama, Florida and Arkansas are the only states that have the authority to use troopers as federal immigration enforcement officers.

Riley signed an agreement with the U-S Department of Homeland Security in 2003 that allows troopers to enforce federal immigration law once they have completed special training. The troopers who qualified in 2003 can question, detain and arrest illegal immigrants they come across during their normal duties.

Alabama Public Safety Director Colonel Mike Coppage says the agreement helps to cut down on a "catch-and-relase" problem the department had because troopers couldn't arrest the immigrants and federal officials couldn't come for them.