Illegal Immigration
Statement of Need
New federal and state legislation designed to control immigration into
the United States is needed to improve domestic security and local
public safety. Stronger measures to prevent illegal entry must be
taken immediately by the federal government, including border
surveillance, fencing, additional agents, as well as prosecution for
violation of existing laws. Local enforcement of immigration law
has become more prominent as the number of illegal immigrants increases
and burdens local resources. However, current law does not give
the states or local agencies the clear authority to act in the area of
immigration, is confusing and is inadequate for local law enforcement
agencies.
Whereas,
The Federal Government has not posted any U.S. Bureau of Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Okaloosa County and local
police authority is inadequate to enforce federal immigration
law;
Whereas,
ICE agents cannot arrest a person for civil immigration violations
unless there is space in an immigration detention center (The nearest
facility is the Wakulla County Jail, where the county contracts with
ICE to hold civil detainees and there are only 28 beds available for
that purpose);
Resolved,
That the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated urge our Congressional
and State legislative delegation to clarify the authority of local
police agencies to become involved in the enforcement of immigration
laws and to ensure that additional (ICE) agents are posted in the
region;
Resolved,
That the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated encourage our elected
officials to increase detention space for illegal aliens in Northwest
Florida.; and
Resolved,
That a copy of the resolution be sent to Okaloosa County Sheriff
Charlie Morris, the Congressional and State Delegation and U.S. Bureau
of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.