Posted on 10/29/2008 4:05:13 PM PDT by BGHater
Manassas police officers will begin checking the residency status of everyone arrested starting Dec. 1, the city announced Tuesday.
The policy is intended to bring the department's immigration laws into "lockstep" with Prince William County's recently revised law, officials said.
Under the policy, Manassas police officers will ask about the immigration status of anyone arrested for violation of a state or local law. However, as in Prince William, police will be able to ask about a person's residency before arrest if the officer thinks the person may be in the country illegally.
"I think the [City] Council is certainly in favor of working towards ... effective illegal-immigration policy," Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish said. "It will have a fair effect and a positive effect on illegal criminal immigrants."
The policy is part of a series of illegal-immigration enforcement initiatives implemented by the Manassas City Council over the past two years, which include checking the immigration status of inmates at the jail, working on a gang task force and working with federal agents to transport illegal immigrants to federal detention centers.
Police Chief John Skinner presented the plan to the City Council on Monday night.
"[The policy] is very similar - as [Skinner] described it, 'lockstep in line' with what's happening [in] Prince William County," Parrish said. In June, Prince William revised its original immigration policy, which required officers to check the residency status of suspected criminals they had probable cause to believe were in the country illegally. The revised law - which required officers to check the immigration status of anyone arrested and held in jail - went into effect July 1.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart, R-at large, called the announcement "great news."
"Clearly, Manassas and [Prince William] County are like Siamese twins," he said. "Everything we do is reflected there, and vice versa.
"For the sake of consistency and the fact that we share a jail, it's a good thing," he continued, adding that allowing the two police departments and officers to operate under the same rules would result in more efficient enforcement of immigration laws.
All Manassas police officers will be trained on the new policy and procedures next month.
Ok
two years ago I became a proud American.
I have voted in smaller elections but this will be my first Presidential election
Right I was amazed that with my strong northern English accent I was never asked if I had to show I was an American.
I took my certificate thinking I would need it but alas no , I registered and voted.
Every immigrant like me should be taking proof that they are American along with photo ID (which we need here in Fl) plus be signed off to the register..
I am amazed that I don’t , I am amazed that some do not need photo ID
I am amazed that so many officials are corrupting this election
I am amazed that the media have not been telling the truth.
I am amazed that a man who is running for president has not declared all his donors no matter how small plus getting rid of the security mechanism.
I am amazed that this election is being treated by some officials and especially a man who is running for president
Soon we’re going to need UN inspectors because of how obama and his thugs have treated with disgrace and no respect this election
I am disgusted and more up for this election than ever and hope good overcomes the bad, meaning we beat obama and his fraudilent thugs and corrupted money
sorry for the typo but I am really worked up right now thinking of all of that
'We have illegal immigration laws and we USE them... Some states are creating sanctuaries for illegal immigrants and slowing the flow being deported.... my state's putting in an Express Lane.'
"two years ago I became a proud American. I have voted in smaller elections but this will be my first Presidential election"
WOW, you're an immigrant and still became a proud American faster than Michelle Obama (born her).... maybe its because even after all these years her husband hasn't fully assimilated yet?
LOL maybe
It really gets to me when I hear liberals say they are not proud of this country.
I tell them that this is the best country in the world and they should be lucky they were born here
I remember doing my ceremony and was so proud, I have the flag and certificate proudly on display.
Maybe born an Englishman and did my time in the military but I became American legally I might add by choice.
When liberals hear me they seem to think I should be liberal and they get all angry when I tell them I want the borders closed, small Govt, etc etc etc.
I tested the person registering at the immigration ceremony.
I said I want to register and she said well ok then great, I left out the party I would be on purpose and asked her should I fill that part in right now.
she says yes I should
I put down republican and I pointed to it.
she then said well why don’t you think about it and then you could sign on to a party later.
I smiled and said no thanks I know which party I want to be and I have thought about it
the look on the woman was priceless
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