Va. seeks U.S. OK for troopers in immigration cases

[The Northerner]

Gov. Bob McDonnell this week formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security authorize some Virginia State Police troopers to perform functions of federal immigration officers.

The request, which was sent in a letter dated Aug. 10 to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, follows conversations since February on the subject between McDonnell's administration and federal authorities.

McDonnell is requesting that homeland security enters into a so-called 287g agreement with the state, a pact that at least seven jurisdictions in Virginia already have in some form.

"The would include how participating State Police personnel will be nominated, trained, authorized and supervised in performing the immigration enforcement functions specified in the agreement," McDonnell writes in the letter released today by his office.

"We contemplate addressing those aliens who are engaged in major drug offenses or violent offenses such as murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and kidnapping, as well as DUI offenses."

Currently, state police policy gives troopers the option of asking about immigration status when it is relevant to a criminal investigation.

Read more: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2010/aug/12/va-seeks-us-ok-troopers-immigration-cases-ar-423781/

[Kalyke]

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