ACLU pressures California law enforcement to steer clear of illegal aliens
February 21st, 2011 10:58 am PT
By Kimberly Dvorak

In an open letter to law enforcement leaders, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked sheriffs in California to cease harmful practices that target illegal alien communities.

The letter comes at a time when California is burdened with nearly $30 billion budget deficits and a new Rasmussen Poll that states 67 percent of Americans want states to tackle the illegal alien problem plaguing the country.

The ACLU contends apprehending illegal aliens costs local agencies money they no longer have to combat those residing in California unlawfully.

“Most law enforcement officers do not want to double as federal immigration agents. They know that it discourages witnesses and victims of crime from coming forward and ultimately harms public safety for everyone,â€