"Stepped-up enforcement works. Since June, Alamance deputies have processed 245 illegal immigrants for deportation, a clear indicator that a problem exists that deserves local law enforcement's attention."

Addressing problem together
Friday, Sep. 7, 2007 3:00 am

Sen. Elizabeth Dole's meetings last week with county sheriffs could pave the way for beefed-up regional cooperation in enforcing laws that call for the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

In helping defeat immigration reform legislation, Dole argued that if laws already on the books get scant attention, Congress shouldn't pass new ones. To her credit, she's taken a proactive stand by trying to help sheriffs back home more effectively enforce current statutes.

Only a handful of counties have easy access to data that help confirm suspect identities. Other sheriffs would like to join in but can't because of limited federal funding.

A possible solution floated at Dole's session here is greater regional cooperation. Each department may not need a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) grant if all can agree to share resources.

Alamance County has an ICE grant and enough jail space to house at least some of the alleged violators snared in nearby counties. For that to work, however, those counties must be able to make a case by entering ICE data banks. And ICE must have authority and sufficient manpower to take over once the collar is made.

A Dole amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill funds some implementation and training costs. For now, no local money is involved, but that could change.

Critics say tougher enforcement amounts to racial profiling of immigrant groups, mainly Hispanics. Guilford Sheriff BJ Barnes denies that's the case, saying identity checks are limited to investigations.

Nor does he buy the argument that investigating immigration violations should be left to federal authorities. When the break-in is at your house, he says, it becomes a local matter.

Stepped-up enforcement works. Since June, Alamance deputies have processed 245 illegal immigrants for deportation, a clear indicator that a problem exists that deserves local law enforcement's attention.

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