Thread: TN: House votes to let THP enforce immigration laws

House votes to let THP enforce immigration laws

May 3, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. The Tennessee House sent to the governor today a proposal to let the Tennessee Highway Patrol enforce immigration laws.

The bill authorizes the commissioner of the state Department of Safety to negotiate an agreement with the U-S Department of Homeland Security to allow troopers to be trained to enforce federal immigration and customs laws while conducting their normal duties.

The Senate passed the companion bill earlier this session.

Several House Democrats had earlier expressed concern that the measure could lead state troopers to engage in racial profiling, but the measure passed on a 95-to-1 vote. House Judiciary Chairman Rob Briley of Nashville was the only member to vote against the measure.

Governor Bredesen has not said whether he will sign the bill into law.

http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=6466598

See this is what I don't understand. Aren't all local governments and police forces required to uphold and enforce all laws? Local and Federal?
Do not all policemen take oaths to uphold and enforce the laws of the land?
Since when did they get to pick and choose?

Originally Posted by Dagmar

See this is what I don't understand. Aren't all local governments and police forces required to uphold and enforce all laws? Local and Federal?
Do not all policemen take oaths to uphold and enforce the laws of the land?
Since when did they get to pick and choose?

Not with out the approval of the city, county or state board and must have the required training in immigrations enforcement.

The governer will sign the bill. He is already on record stating he thought the Nashville program was a good one. However, 90% of the illegals caught (81) during the first two weeks of the Nashville program were released with NTA's (Notice to Appear). Otherwords, they were let go to never be heard from again, until they get caught AGAIN. Totally senseless! I think the first time one of these NTA's kill someone in a DUI, then it will stop. It's sad that it will take that to force people to use common sense. It took a a DUI murder to get the program started and it will take another one for them to actually take it seriously. It's obvious the Sheriff is doing that to appease the Hispanic community who doesn't even want the Sheriff to check their status if they haven't committed a serious offense.

Hiring Undocumented Workers Could Soon Be Felony I WKRN.COM

"Hiring Undocumented Workers Could Soon Be Felony"
A bill in the state legislature would outlaw employing undocumented workers and in fact, make it a felony .
The bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Ketron, is just one of several potential laws aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants. The corner of Murfreesboro Road and Thompson Land in south Nashville has gained the reputation as a place to pick up day laborers. Day laborers routinely gather because they say employers know they can always find people ready to work.
Proponents of Senator Bill Ketron's bill want to crack down on those employers. Workers, along with many in the construction industry, disagree saying business depends on the labor force. Dozens of undocumented workers spend the days waiting for work at the corner of Murfreesboro Road and Thompson Lane.
Now, a law being considered in the state Senate would crackdown on the people who hire these men. Greg Stein works as a carpenter. He said, "I think it would hurt a lot of businesses as far as the construction industry goes." He said smaller construction companies would certainly feel the pinch if they couldn't use undocumented workers. Still, he feels anything would be better than the current situation. "It's time that we put our foot down and say enough is enough. We have to go after the employers," said Stein.
Miguel Loya came to Nashville from Mexico less than a year ago and said most people he's worked for depend on undocumented laborers. The downside, he said, is being taken advantage of by dishonest employers. He said he lost over $400 in one week alone. Those who work in the industry agree, employers prey on the undocumented workforce. Chris Perry said, "They can pay them less, they get to pocket more money and it's all under the table." Discussion of Senator Ketron's bill to hire illegal immigrants has been tabled until next Thursday.
For more on this and other stories affecting the local Hispanic community, visit www.tennesseeahora.com . Copyright 2007 by WKRN Nashville Tennessee. All Rights Reserved. http://www.wkrn.com/nashville/news/hiri ... .htm/print 5/4/2007