QUOTE
LaPorte looks at undocumented
Council member proposes illegal immigration law.
STAN MADDUX
Tribune Correspondent
LAPORTE -- A LaPorte City Council member's plan to crack down on illegal immigrants in the city has raised concerns on both sides of the immigration issue.
Raising concerns echoed nationwide about overburdened hospitals and schools, crime, and declining wages and neighborhoods, council member Tim Stabosz introduced a measure calling for a system for rooting out illegal immigrants.
Among other things, at least two police officers a year from the local force would be required to undergo immigration enforcement training.
Assisting local police would be a "hot line" for residents to call and report suspected illegal immigrant activity.
Stabosz said he brought the proposal to the council after meeting with resident Mike Strauss, who's among a vocal group of residents frustrated at the effort to curb illegal immigration at the federal level.
In response to claims the measure is driven by hate, Stabosz said, "This is not about creating a hostile atmosphere. This is not an issue of diversity. It's an issue of legality."
"Those persons are criminals right from the very beginning. They should be treated as such," said resident Bob Pointon.
Other support was expressed by Greg Serbon of the Valparaiso-based Indiana Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement.
"Eighty-five percent of the people want the laws enforced. It's just the government is not doing it," said Serbon.
He said some recent statistics show Indiana is now fifth nationwide in terms of being a destination for illegal immigrants.
"It's hitting us in the pocket deeply," he said.
Speaking out against the proposal was Luis Miramontes, director of the El Puente Community Center in LaPorte, which assists the local Latin community in a variety of areas such as employment, education and housing.
He said immigration is part of the nation's heritage.
"It is what makes us strong economically. If this is approved, the council will hang a large 'keep out' sign for LaPorte County," said Miramontes.
The council did not take action, preferring to hear back from the police department first, given law enforcement's large role in the possible undertaking.
City Attorney Art Roule Jr. said it was his opinion that local police departments have no legal authority to enforce federal law.
He also said LaPorte would likely wind up in court, as have the handful of other communities that have enacted similar proposals.
"To me, this opens the door to an array of legal problems," Roule said.
Council member proposes illegal immigration law.
STAN MADDUX
Tribune Correspondent
LAPORTE -- A LaPorte City Council member's plan to crack down on illegal immigrants in the city has raised concerns on both sides of the immigration issue.
Raising concerns echoed nationwide about overburdened hospitals and schools, crime, and declining wages and neighborhoods, council member Tim Stabosz introduced a measure calling for a system for rooting out illegal immigrants.
Among other things, at least two police officers a year from the local force would be required to undergo immigration enforcement training.
Assisting local police would be a "hot line" for residents to call and report suspected illegal immigrant activity.
Stabosz said he brought the proposal to the council after meeting with resident Mike Strauss, who's among a vocal group of residents frustrated at the effort to curb illegal immigration at the federal level.
In response to claims the measure is driven by hate, Stabosz said, "This is not about creating a hostile atmosphere. This is not an issue of diversity. It's an issue of legality."
"Those persons are criminals right from the very beginning. They should be treated as such," said resident Bob Pointon.
Other support was expressed by Greg Serbon of the Valparaiso-based Indiana Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement.
"Eighty-five percent of the people want the laws enforced. It's just the government is not doing it," said Serbon.
He said some recent statistics show Indiana is now fifth nationwide in terms of being a destination for illegal immigrants.
"It's hitting us in the pocket deeply," he said.
Speaking out against the proposal was Luis Miramontes, director of the El Puente Community Center in LaPorte, which assists the local Latin community in a variety of areas such as employment, education and housing.
He said immigration is part of the nation's heritage.
"It is what makes us strong economically. If this is approved, the council will hang a large 'keep out' sign for LaPorte County," said Miramontes.
The council did not take action, preferring to hear back from the police department first, given law enforcement's large role in the possible undertaking.
City Attorney Art Roule Jr. said it was his opinion that local police departments have no legal authority to enforce federal law.
He also said LaPorte would likely wind up in court, as have the handful of other communities that have enacted similar proposals.
"To me, this opens the door to an array of legal problems," Roule said.
