Thread: PA - Reading woman could be deported after traffic stop reveals undocumented status

By: María Salazar
Posted: May 05, 2017 11:40 PM EDT
Updated: May 05, 2017 11:40 PM EDT

READING, Pa. - A Reading woman could be deported after federal immigration officials were contacted during a traffic stop.

This comes amid talks about bringing the 287(g) program to Berks County that would allow the sheriff's department to partner with federal immigration officials.

On April 20, an immigrant woman who did not want to be identified was stopped by a sheriff's deputy in Reading for allegedly not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

The woman, who is undocumented, only had a Mexican identification.

Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht says the ID was expired and the deputy called Immigration and Customs Enforcement to verify her identity.

Weaknecht says it is not the department's policy for deputies to call ICE but it is something they can do.

"It's up to each individual deputy whoever they want to do it," he told 69 News.

Opponents of the program say this case highlights their concerns about bringing 287(g) to Berks County.

They say it emboldens officers to target immigrants and Latinos.

Weaknecht says the stop has nothing to do with his proposal.

"When you're on a traffic stop and [all] you do is get a piece of paper -- I believe it was a Mexican ID -- he has no way to verify that," he added. "And, [the deputy] does not have the authority to take her in to fingerprint her unless there is a suspicion of a crime."

She could be deported on the basis of being illegally in the country even though she has no criminal record.

"This has nothing to do with 287(g). The deputy on the street just wanted to verify that the information she gave him was correct and he did so by contacting the ICE officer who was on duty," Weaknecht said.

The sheriff says the program would only apply to central booking when a person is charged with a serious crime not for traffic violations.

Weaknecht adds once ICE took the woman, his department has nothing to do with what happens thereafter.

County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt says this woman's case worries him.

"What has she done in the 18 years? She's been in the community, been -- I'm sure a hardworking dedicated person -- living in this community and now does something that most of us probably do once a month is didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign -- now's she facing deportation," he told 69 News.

Barnhardt believes it is unfair for the woman to face deportation over a traffic violation.

"We feel better because we've done that? Because we apprehended some lady who went through a stop sign, now justice has been served because she's back in her native country? Really? It's sad," he added.

He's the only commissioner who has said he's undecided about 287(g) but inclined to vote "no."

"I'm taking this very, very seriously and it's something that I don't stop thinking about," said Barnhardt.

In a statement to 69 News, ICE officials said:

"ICE focuses its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. However, as Secretary Kelly has made clear, ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention, and if found removable by final order, removal from the United States."

There is no word yet on when 287(g) will come for a vote in Berks County.

http://www.wfmz.com/news/berks/readi...atus/484020425

Yes, sign up as fast as possible for 287 (g)!

"What has she done in the 18 years? She's been in the community, been -- I'm sure a hardworking dedicated person -- living in this community and now does something that most of us probably do once a month is didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign -- now's she facing deportation," he told 69 News.

Well let's just look at that Mr. Barnhardt! Jumped the border, that's illegal. Been here 18 years, how did she support herself? If she had a job, that's illegal. Did she accept any Federal Support? She was NOT entitled to it.

I wanted to post to the site, but you have to have a FB account.