Thread: TX: Involve law enforcement in illegal immigration problems

Rob Orr: Involve law enforcement in our illegal immigration problems

Editor’s note: State Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, and four other North Texas lawmakers — Linda Harper-Brown, R- Irving, Jim Jackson, R- Carrollton, Jerry Madden, R- Richardson, and Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, wrote the following opinion column.

It’s no secret the federal government has repeatedly failed to enforce immigration laws. Thus states and communities have been left to bear that burden. Many states and their communities have risen to this challenge; Texas and its local communities must do the same.

This year alone, 23 state and local agencies in various states have entered into agreements with the federal government that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Arizona and New Mexico both declared a state of emergency to direct funds to address illegal immigration. Additionally, Oklahoma and Georgia have each passed comprehensive bills to address the problems and costs of illegal immigration.

Texas has taken steps to abate the problems of illegal immigration as well. The Legislature appropriated $100 million to border security initiatives. Operations Wrangler, Linebacker and Rio Grande have proven successful in reducing crime along the 1,200 miles of international border that Texas shares with Mexico. These initiatives have decreased border crime by about 60 percent in border counties.

At the local level, the city of Irving has enacted an impressive and efficient program to deal with criminal illegal immigrants. Irving works closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to verify the residency status of individuals who are arrested on other charges. If Irving police arrest an individual here illegally, that person is then transferred to the custody of federal officers.

It is imperative that other communities follow Irving’s lead by adopting a Criminal Alien Program of their own.

After speaking directly with Department of Public Safety field officers, it is clear that our law enforcement is not only capable, but willing to take on the responsibility of helping secure our borders. Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act gives state and local law enforcement the legal authority to investigate, detain and arrest illegal aliens on both civil and criminal grounds. We would like to see the DPS enter into a 287g agreement with ICE so officers may receive the necessary authorization and training they need to take action when they encounter illegal aliens.

DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said earlier this month, “Our stance has always been that we don’t enforce immigration policy.â€

Yes, good ol' Dallas police department. .. NOT!!! I still hope and pray for the day when the DPS is FORCED to start enforcing immigration law!!

Please, please, please, Texas legislature, FOR ONCE pass some hard laws combating illegal immigration! Not only is Texas a prime entry point for illegals, but they are flooding here in even larger numbers due to the laws being enforced in other states such as Oklahoma and Georgia. (I mean, where do you think all those thousands of illegals have migrated to from Oklahoma -- wanna bet for most of them it is Texas, and probably more likely Dallas, due to it being close to the Oklahoma border).

I'm tired of sitting in horrible traffic every day, with crazy people driving all over in beat up cars. Just on Saturday, we watched what we were sure must have been an illegal who had no idea how to drive his beat up truck.

We were sitting at a gas station pumping gas, when he decided to back into his spot to pump gas. He floored the gas pedal when he backed up, weaving crazily, and nearly twice slamming into the gas pump before he got in. We were getting ready to run for our lives in case he did ram the pump!

These illegal drivers HAVE to be taken off our roads!! They don't know what their doing, they don't know our driving laws, probably can't read most of the signs, they don't have insurance, and many drive drunk, as that's what they did back home.

Please Texas, DO SOMETHING!!!!!

TexasGal

I second the motion - 'Texas do something'.

I don't expect our governor to get involved - not sure our legislature is going to do much.

Individual cities could do a lot by getting in the program. They could also do a lot just by enforcing traffic laws. Some police officers in Texas, for quite some time, have simply made sure not to look when they see someone breaking a traffic law if they think they might be illegal.

Get involved in the criminal program - and simply enforce the traffic laws. Impound those vehicles enough and they will try to find more friendly terrirtory.

It's really that simple.