Quote:
“Police chiefs do not believe federal immigration laws should be a local responsibility,” Miller said. “They believe it is a federal government responsibility.”
Miller also said local law enforcement agencies “don’t have the resources to get involved” with immigration enforcement.
If local police departments became known in their communities for rounding up undocumented workers and deporting them, Miller said, it could deter individuals from reporting crimes in which they may have been victims.
Miller said some undocumented workers don’t have bank accounts or credit cards and carry their earnings on their person in the form of cash.
That makes them targets for robberies, Miller said. When they are victimized, however, some are reluctant to report the crime for fear they may be deported.
“I absolutely know for certain that happens in Topeka,” Miller said. “We have established enough of a rapport with the immigrant community that they can talk about these things.”
Miller said police are committed to enforcing the law when people who are in the country illegally commit crimes. In such cases, he said, offenders should be deported.
Miller said police chiefs favor tightening U.S. borders with increased security and developing “rational immigration reform.”
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Chief in national teleconference | CJOnline.com
Local police find it difficult to meet budget to enforce federal and local law enforcement. I know in my state due to budget cuts, a 911 call center was closed entirely. This will make it more difficult for victims reporting emergencies to get immediate attention, not including 5% employee lay offs at almost all levels (this includes local police officers and sheriffs).
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