Investigation shows 3 arrests from immigration law


Associated Press - October 26, 2008 6:05 PM ET

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A newspaper investigation indicates that an anti-illegal immigration law that took effect in Oklahoma last Nov. 1 has resulted in only three arrests and one conviction.

The Tulsa World looked at court records from each of the state's 77 counties to determine how many people had been charged under the law, known as House Bill 1804.

It is considered the most stringent anti-illegal immigration law in the U.S.

The three arrests discovered by the newspaper occurred in Sequoyah, Coal and Seminole Counties. One person was convicted but apparently has not served prison time.

Court and law enforcement officials say they are using the law to track down so-called "coyotes," a term used to describe people who smuggle illegal immigrants, often under dangerous conditions.

Authorities say illegal immigrants who are going about their everyday travels to work and church usually are left alone.

http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?S=9241290