CO House gives initial OK to Secure Communities

Associated Press -
March 21, 2011 3:24 PM ET

DENVER (AP) - House lawmakers have tentatively approved a Republican proposal that would withhold state funds from Colorado municipalities that refuse to participate in a divisive federal immigration.

The Secure Communities program uses fingerprints of people arrested to identify illegal immigrants.

Republicans say withholding severance and cigarette taxes from municipalities that reject the initiative will serve as an incentive to implement the program statewide. Democrats argued the measure would unfairly take away funds from small communities that don't have the technology to participate.

Lawmakers approved House Bill 1140 on a voice vote Monday. It faces another vote before going to the Senate.

Secure Communities is in place in more than 35 states. Opponents say it could lead to racial profiling but supporters say everyone who is arrested would have their fingerprints screened.

http://www.noco5.com/Global/story.asp?S=14292112