Phoenix police to ask all suspects about immigration status
May 22nd, 2008 @ 2:51pm
by Bob McClay/KTAR; Associated Press

Phoenix police officers will begin asking all criminal suspects about their immigration status.

Chief Jack Harris (pictured at left) told reporters at a news conference Thursday that the new policy toward undocumented residents goes into effect immediately.

The policy says everyone who is arrested can be questioned about their immigration status. Previously, officers were ordered to ask only those suspected of committing a serious felony.

If an officer determines a suspect is an illegal immigrant they can be handed over to federal immigration authorities.

Harris said officers won't stop people for the sole purpose of checking their immigration status, and no crime victims will be asked if they're in the country illegally.

The new policy was crafted earlier this year by a four-member panel appointed by Mayor Phil Gordon. Gordon appointed the panel because he thought the city's immigration policy should reflect its status as the country's busiest immigrant smuggling hub.

City officials also were being criticized for creating a "sanctuary city."
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