Time to Get Tougher

Montgomery County considers a new policy for undocumented immigrants.

Monday, December 8, 2008; A18



A 14-YEAR-OLD shot on a county bus. An elderly woman burned alive in her house. A waiter stabbed to death. These are some of the horrific murders allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants in Montgomery County in recent months. County officials are considering whether to take a more aggressive role in determining whether criminal suspects are in the county illegally. This would be an appropriate response to the outbreak of violence, but any new policy must be carefully balanced.

Because some of the murder suspects already had criminal records, the spike in violence has brought scrutiny to the county's policy for holding undocumented immigrants. As reported by the Gazette newspaper's Sebastian Montes, law enforcement officials check for outstanding immigration warrants but don't actively seek out a suspect's immigration status. Federal agents have up to 72 hours to pick up suspected illegal immigrants; the county may release the suspects after that. Illegal immigrants also aren't prevented from posting bail.

One of the undocumented immigrants suspected of murder had been caught with marijuana in an elementary school six weeks before the slaying took place. Another was previously arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. Despite their immigration status, both were freed.

The county reasonably contends that it is up to federal agents to enforce immigration law. A strident policy, county officials argue, could foster distrust in the immigrant community and discourage informants from coming forward, not to mention cross the line into racial profiling.

But in response to the killings, law enforcement officials say they are looking to revise county policy to target perpetrators of violent crimes who may be in the country illegally. Officers may be given latitude to look into the immigration status of a suspect who was born in another country, for example. The county is expected to announce any policy revisions by the end of the month.

Montgomery authorities shouldn't waste tax dollars on a witch hunt for illegal immigrants. Giving police officers more authority while limiting their scope is the right approach.

www.washingtonpost.com