Thread: MI: Kalamazoo Police Won't Enforce Immigration Laws

Police won't enforce immigration laws

Friday, July 10, 2009
Kalamazoo
BY FREDDY HUNT

fhunt@kalamazoogazette.com

(269) 388-3933

KALAMAZOO -- A year ago, then-newly appointed Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley assured a local advocacy group that the police have no intention of enforcing federal immigration laws.

On Thursday, he returned with a written draft of a policy on the subject, drawing strong applause.

By making a written policy, Hadley said it will assure undocumented immigrants they are safe in turning to the police for help without fear of being deported.

``We have people in our community living in the shadows, afraid to come out and seek out help,'' Hadley told the audience of 600-plus at the Kalamazoo Expo Center auditorium. The assembly was hosted by the Michigan Organizing Project, a West Michigan church-based advocacy group for social and economic change.

Although the draft policy was not distributed, Hadley said it prohibits police from soliciting immigration status for traffic violations and nonviolent crimes.

Hadley said he hopes the draft will be finalized next month after being reviewed by the agency's two police unions.

Also at Thursday's meeting, Kalamazoo City Commissioners Sean McCann, Stephanie Moore and Don Cooney committed to continuing dialogue and pursuing revisions to requirements of employers who receive tax abatements from the city.

In addition, a representative for U.S. Sen. Carl Levin said the Democratic senator supports the Michigan Organizing Project's four principals for comprehensive immigration reform. A representative for U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said the congressman is committed to continuing dialogue.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/ind ... xml&coll=7

Gotta love these guys that pick and choose which laws they follow. I also support them for their bravery in expressing implied contempt for the people who pay their salaries. V**V V***V!