Thread: TX-Backlash grows over screenings for ICE at jail

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587 comments as of 5-3-09 /10:44 am cdt

Backlash grows over screenings for ICE at jail
By BRADLEY OLSON and SUSAN CARROLL
May 1, 2009, 7:51PM

Mayor Bill White is facing increasing hostility over his decision to have the city participate in a federal program that trains local jailers to act as immigration agents.

Some activists have suggested the move toward stronger immigration enforcement could jeopardize the accuracy of the 2010 census count for people of Hispanic origin, who are estimated to make up the city’s largest ethnic group at more than 40 percent of the population.

“The mayor and the Police Department need to enforce the law in a way that helps the immigrant community trust the police and cooperate with their investigations,â€

To provide positive support for Mayor White's decision to have Houston participate in the 287(g) program:

WRITE, CALL, OR E-MAIL THE MAYOR AT:

Mayor Bill White
City of Houston
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251

PHONE: 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311
EMAIL: mayor@cityofhouston.net

Mayor White ordinarily is a staunch liberal, so this is a major step in the right direction (no pun intended).

[quote]“But if this law gives people fear or insecurity, they are not going to want to participate in various programs like the census.â€

Heck with the census. I'm just hoping it gives "fear and insecurity" sufficient to induce the illegal aliens in Houston to go home to their country of origin so we don't have to pay to deport them. After all, a penny earned is a penny saved.

Just why should they be counted in the first place?? Once they get deported is the government going to keep track of the money for these people and get it back because they are know longer in the state....This is all about greed that is getting so old!!

ENFORCE OUR LAWS....CLOSE OUR BORDER AND STOP COUNTING ILLEGAL ALIENS WHO SHOULD NOT BE HERE NOR BE REPRESENTED BY OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS!!!