By Oscar Avila
Tribune staff reporter

September 8, 2006

A resolution introduced Thursday would make Cook County a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants, meaning authorities could not inquire about their immigration status in routine interactions.

County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado, the measure's sponsor, said he wants to prevent the county from joining a growing group of local jurisdictions that are cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws.

If the measure passes, Maldonado said, sheriff's deputies could not ask for immigration papers during traffic stops and county employees could not report suspected illegal immigrants to federal authorities.

Maldonado said he has no evidence that county officials are currently doing that.

The measure offers illegal immigrants no protection from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who are free to make arrests in the county. But Maldonado said the resolution is still important because turning county authorities into immigration agents would detract from their other duties.

Those who support sanctuary policies say they don't want to send illegal immigrants underground. Earlier this year, the Chicago City Council strengthened its sanctuary policy by turning a long-standing executive order into law.

But critics say sanctuary policies undermine law enforcement and let criminals go free when they might otherwise be arrested for immigration violations. Residents in Elgin and other suburbs have recently appealed to their elected officials to become more aggressive in assisting with immigration enforcement.

The County Board did not discuss the resolution Thursday. Maldonado said he hopes to have a public hearing on the measure before the Law Enforcement and Corrections Committee. The hearing has not yet been scheduled.
I will be calling this piece of worthless shit. This I am not going to stand for this & Sancuary for Law Breakers(Illegal Aliens). Feel free to contact him at 1-312-603-6386
Leave a Message anytime Day/Night

Maldonado's proposal to make Cook County, a Sanctuary for illegal aliens, is blatantly against Federal Law, the supreme law of our land, which can not be superceded by state law, or local ordinances.

Maldonado, recklessly states that illegal aliens, ie; criminals, and potential terrorists, have no protection from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents who are free to make arrests in the country.

Maldonado is an impediment to our National Security, as he recklessly defies the Governments compelling interest to protect the law abiding citizens, by restricting the governments lawful agencies from fullfilling their rightful purpose.

Maldonado, and the other public official who want to undermine the country that they swore allegiance to, must be removed from office for committing treason against the United States Constitution, and treason against the people. They have violated the trust of the people. They are sitting in breach of their oath, they must be removed from office and tried for treason.