RI police to enforce immigration law

Nashua Telegraph
August 6, 2009

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island State Police will soon function as federal immigration officers as part of Gov. Don Carcieri's crackdown on illegal immigrants.

State Police Superintendent Brendan Doherty said Wednesday that an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement allows four detective to become immigration officers. Once trained, they can arrest illegal immigrants for immigration offenses if the suspects are involved in other crimes.

It was unclear when the program will begin.

Carcieri signed an executive order last year requiring the State Police and prison system to seek the authority to enforce immigration law. It also forces the state government and companies doing business with the state to check the immigration status of new hires.

Critics of Carcieri's order say it could increase racial profiling.

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