LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A controversial proposal requiring legislation enforcement to trace undocumented immigrants handed the Livingston County Fee Monday evening.
The decision requires Livingston County legislation enforcement to trace each interplay any officers have with undocumented immigrants, whether or not they be individuals accused of crimes, individuals concerned in visitors accidents, crime victims and crime witnesses.
Supporters of the decision say it is smart to maintain observe of undocumented immigrants, claiming the measure is just like necessities that may very well be imposed on authorized residents.
“In just a few months, each of us will have to have a Real I.D. if we want to travel within the United States via airplane,” mentioned Jason Woolford, a Howell resident. “And if I’m being asked as a United States citizen to be documented so I can freely travel, then we sure as heck better do it to illegal immigrants as well.”
Opponents of the decision, nonetheless, declare the decision has racist undertones and would really make the county much less protected—as immigrants could be much less prone to report crimes and cooperate with legislation enforcement.
“First, this resolution will make Livingston County less safe if the resolution passes. Immigrant witnesses and victims will be less likely to report crimes regardless of their own legal status,” mentioned Elinor Jordan of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Middle. “Also, when police track immigration-related civil infractions, they have less time and resources to address serious criminal matters.”
Councilmember Wes Nakagiri, who launched the decision, refuted claims that it’s racist in nature, making references to what he claims are social issues brought on by immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, particularly concerning the price of public advantages equivalent to well being care.
Regardless of the extreme forwards and backwards on the assembly, the commissioners unanimously permitted the decision.
