TX jailers to continue immigration screening



October 27, 2009 11:35 PM ET

HOUSTON (AP) - Harris County officials have approved a 3-year extension of a controversial program that allows jailers to screen all county inmates for their immigration status.

The Harris County Commissioners Court approved the 287g program Tuesday in a 4-1 vote, even though opponents say it perpetuates racial profiling and splits immigrant families.

The vote followed a presentation by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who recommended extending the program.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia voted against 287g due to potential costs, legal liability to the county, as well as concerns over racial profiling.

The program takes its name from the section of the 1996 immigration law that allows local police to be trained to operate federal immigration databases.



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