Bill shields migrant victims, witnesses
by Zahira Torres \ Austin Bureau
Posted: 02/12/2011 09:14:13 AM MST

Witness status
Should the Legislature pass a bill that would prohibit police from questioning the nationality or immigration status of victims or witnesses of crimes? Read story
Yes, it s the only way they ll feel safe enough to come forward.
Maybe, it depends on the crime.
No, police should be able to question anyone s immigration status.

AUSTIN -- Victims or witnesses of a crime would not have to fear deportation when they call authorities if the Legislature passes a bill filed Friday by state Sen. José RodrÃ*guez.

RodrÃ*guez, D-El Paso, and other El Paso city leaders have denounced Arizona-style legislation that has been filed in Texas. Such legislation would require local law enforcement to act as de facto Border Patrol agents.

But RodrÃ*guez's bill would prohibit law enforcement from questioning the nationality or immigration status of those who report crimes, unless it is necessary to investigate a criminal offense.

The freshman senator and other El Paso leaders worry that if local authorities begin enforcing federal immigration law, undocumented immigrants who are victims of crimes or who witness crimes will not come forward.

They say El Paso was named the safest large city in the country because of the community's relationship with law enforcement agencies.

"We stand to lose that designation because our law enforcement leaders have told us that we're not going to get the cooperation from the immigrant community," RodrÃ*guez said. "This is a way of ensuring that trust is maintained."

The bill was one of about 20 pieces of legislation RodrÃ*guez filed Friday on issues such as expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program so that more families qualify, and charging fireworks vendors additional fees.

RodrÃ*guez worked with state Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, to craft bills that were filed in
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both the House and the Senate in an effort to prevent law enforcement from questioning the legal status of people who report crimes.

Gov. Rick Perry has fast-tracked legislation that would abolish sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants. He wants local governments to overturn any proclamations that forbid law enforcement to ask about immigration status if officers have stopped someone for a separate violation.

Perry has said he is against Arizona's law, which requires law enforcement to ask about immigration status, but he supports giving local law enforcement the discretion to do so if officers feel it is necessary.

Democrats say they are concerned about the intentions of such legislation.

Farrar said the bills she and RodrÃ*guez filed are a proactive approach to make sure crimes are reported.

"There is no legal definition for a sanctuary city, but Republicans in control are going to pass something," Farrar said. "What I would like to do is make a statement, and if the bill gets a hearing and goes through the process, we'll be able to talk about the other side of the coin."

Perry's staff said it would not comment on specific bills because it is too early in the legislative process.

Zahira Torres may be reached at ztorres@elpasotimes.com; 512-479-6606.



Gonzalez bill
# A bill filed by state Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, would increase state traffic fines for violations such as parking tickets and jaywalking to bring in additional money for trauma hospitals.
# The bill would raise the state traffic fine on parking tickets and pedestrian offenses from $30 to $45. The higher fee would bring in an extra $85 million, according to Legislative Budget Board estimates provided to Gonzalez.
# Cities already get to keep 5 percent of the fees, and designated trauma centers receive 33 percent.
# Gonzalez said the fee increase would help hospitals such as University Medical Center of El Paso better cope with statewide
TX CAPITOL REPORT
A view from the state capitol.
budget cuts. The state faces a budget deficit of up to $27 billion.
# "This is a way that we can generate revenue without passing on a significant amount of burden to the population of Texas and at the same time protect our trauma hospitals," Gonzalez said

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