Prince William Co. Immigration Law Takes Effect Next Week
Officers Will Be Able To Investigate Citizenship Status Of Suspected Criminals

UPDATED: 4:27 pm EST February 25, 2008


PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. -- Next week one of Prince William County's toughest and most controversial immigration laws will go into effect.

The law allows police to investigate the citizenship status of people who are detained for breaking the law if officers have probable cause to believe they are violating federal immigration policy.

Police said crime victims and cooperative witnesses will be protected, regardless of their immigration status.

Opponents said the law will allow police to racially profile anyone who looks like he or she could be undocumented.

The police department said officers are strictly prohibited from racial profiling while enforcing the new law. Officers have been trained to investigate only suspected criminals, police said.

The new policy is the result of a resolution passed by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors last July.

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