Thread: TX: New immigration program sparks protests

New immigration program sparks protests
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | 7:57PM
By Tom Abrahams

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A group of community leaders is speaking out against the Houston Police Department's support of a program that allows law enforcement to work more closely with immigration officials.

Outside of the Houston Police Officers Union headquarters, a small group of protestors were trying to make a lot of noise. Their concern is the president of the union and what he wants, Namely for the city's participation in a federal program called 287-G. Part of that program allows officers on the street to ask essentially anyone about their immigration status.

"If immigrants are afraid or lose trust in the police they will be afraid to come forward both as victims of crimes and as witnesses of crimes," said Cesar Espinoza with America for All.

But that is not what Houston Police Officer's Union President Gary Blankenship says is his intent.

Story continues belowAdvertisement"In no way are we advocating that we just have go out here and have open season on checking people for immigration status," he said. "We want these as tools involving criminal investigations."

He says the death of Officer Rodney Johnson is an example. The man who was arrested for killing Johnson was a criminal illegal who'd been deported and snuck back into the US.

"We need to get this undesirable element of criminals out of this country," Blankenship said.

But the protestors fear giving the police that kind of power will have unintended consequences.

"The police will be feared as much as those who are committing the crimes," said Maria Jimenez with America for All.

The city of Houston does not take part in any of the 287-G programs.

However it has applied to get more information on illegal immigrants in its jail. Harris County has been using the program inside of its jail facilities.

http://abclocal.go.com

I could care less if illegal aliens report crimes against them or not. By their very presence in this country, whatever they would report would be suspect anyway.

We don't want people who refuse to obey and abide by our laws. Get them all out!

"If immigrants are afraid or lose trust in the police they will be afraid to come forward both as victims of crimes and as witnesses of crimes," said Cesar Espinoza with America for All.

All criminals like illegal aliens are afraid of the police. Ever watch an episode of COPS? When you hear an officer ask somone, "why did you run" often it ends up being because they have a warrant.

Dixie

287(G)

"If immigrants are afraid or lose trust in the police they will be afraid to come forward both as victims of crimes and as witnesses of crimes," said Cesar Espinoza with America for All.

They don't seem to be afraid to commit crimes.

Their's is a THREAT. If you Implement 287G we illegal aliens will avoid the police at all costs. LMFAO

"If immigrants are afraid or lose trust in the police they will be afraid to come forward both as victims of crimes and as witnesses of crimes," said Cesar Espinoza with America for All."

Legal immigrants will NOT be afraid of the Police only the ILLEGALS will be afraid of the Police. "America for ALL"? America for ALL Citizens and Legal Residents!