Program To Deport Illegal Immigrant Criminals Under Review

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 - 08:03 AM

By Shirley Min
General Assignment Reporter
NBC17 - WNCN-TV


RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Governor's Crime Commission will review a program today that's designed to help local law enforcement deport dangerous illegal immigrants.


The latest numbers from U.S. Border Patrol agents has the number of illegal immigrants in the United States at 12 million and they now account for about one in every 20 workers.

North Carolina ranks 9th among states in the U.S., with an estimated 206,000 illegal immigrants living in the state.

Supporters of the 287-G program say the program's goal isn't to deport all illegal immigrants from North Carolina, just the violent criminals. But some worry the program targets Latinos and lends itself to racial profiling. Latino advocates say the program is being overused.

Surrounded by four local sheriffs, Senator Elizabeth Dole touted a tough stance on immigration.

"If they're thinking of coming to North Carolina to commit crimes, they darn well better not do it because we're going to get 'em," said Dole.

Four counties in the state are part of 287-G. Durham is the only city police department in the program and Sheriff Donnie Harrison says Wake County is the next to come online.

"This is for the safety of the citizens of Wake County," said Sheriff Harrison.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan also supports the program. She met with six sheriffs last week, but some of them still have concerns.

"It's very important that this program is not seen as we're sending deputies down the street to arrest people for being illegal," said Cumberland County Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler.

Some Latino advocates point out, of the thousands deported out of Alamance and Mecklenburg Counties, more than 80 percent were not violent criminals, but instead were charged with simple traffic violations.

One member of the ACLU, fears 287-G may fan anti-immigration feelings.

"I think there's a link between that misinformation and some of these local law enforcement initiatives," said ACLU member Rebecca Headen.

So far, no accusations of racial profiling have been made against any of the police agencies currently a part of 287-G.

Meantime today, the governor's crime commission will hear from Chapel Hill Police Chief Brian Curran and the Executive Director of El Pueblo about the impact of immigration enforcement on the Hispanic community.

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