OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

Date: May 18, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice


DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (House of Representatives - May 18, 2005)

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Cox-Sensenbrenner amendment.

I would like to associate myself with the comments of the gentleman from California (Chairman Cox) and agree this proposal would help local law enforcement better enforce our Nation's immigration laws.

Two years ago, 21 Alabama State troopers completed ICE's Federal 5-week training course. Since that time, these State troopers have detained 128 illegal aliens as a result of routine traffic stops. For example, this January of 2004, two individuals were stopped by an Alabama State trooper for a traffic violation. Because the trooper was trained on how to spot false immigration documents, the two were detained. In the course of the investigation, the men were found guilty of attempting to smuggle over $435,000 in U.S. currency out of the country.

Likewise, in March of this year, two other individuals were stopped by an Alabama State trooper for a traffic violation. The driver identified was in possession of a U.S. passport, and the passenger was identified as a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. A consensual search of the vehicle found nine firearms and ammunition hidden under the bed liner of the truck. Both were taken into ICE's custody for prosecution.

It is important to note that all officers enrolled in this program received extensive training in cultural sensitivity and civil rights procedure.

Contrary to the fears of the program's opponents, ICE has received no complaints of intimidation, harassment or profiling. In fact, Alabama law enforcement officials have reached out to its immigrant community to help educate them on the law.

Overall, the program is an essential force multiplier and helps ICE officials better enforce our Nation's immigration laws.

I would also like to recognize the work of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), a member of our committee, and all that he has done on this committee.

I thank the chairman for his leadership, and I ask for the House's support of this amendment.

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