Thread: VA: Gov. McDonnell Shoots Down Immigration Request

Gov. McDonnell Shoots Down Immigration Request

By JENNIFER GASTWIRTH
Updated 10:00 PM EDT, Tue, Aug 31, 2010


Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is turning a deaf ear to requests that his administration not pursue civil immigration law-enforcement powers.

Instead, he wants to give state and local police the green light to check an immigrant’s citizenship status when making an arrest. That would entail being able to question and detain illegal immigrants suspected in crimes.

The Virginia Alliance for Sensible Community Policing Efforts sent the governor a letter Monday highlighting its opposition.

"We are particularly concerned about the severe chilling effect that descends on immigrant communities, and especially on immigrant crime victims and witnesses, if they perceive that law enforcement is to be feared rather than trusted," the alliance wrote.

If the immigration law continues moving forward, select state troopers would be trained on how to enforce the new rules.

McDonnell spokeswoman Stacey Johnson said the move would be "a common-sense way for the federal government to partner with the commonwealth to improve public safety."

www.nbcwashington.com

Im glad that I voted for him.

GREAT Gov. McDonnell! YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB. WE DO NOT WANT ILLEGAL ALIENS IN VIRGINA. ILLEGAL ALIENS ARE LAW BREAKERS. SO THEY HAVE TO LEAVE NOW.

They pulled the same crap in Los Angeles to "protect" the illegals. These people should "fear" law enforcement because they're breaking the law.
I really like Governor McDonnell.