Protestors Call for End to "Unfair" Enforcement Policies
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: September 4, 2012
MCLEAN COUNTY - Latinos in McLean County want local authorities to stop what they call an "unfair" practice against Latinos.
Members of Latinos United for Change and the Illinois People's Action spoke before the McLean County Justice committee Tuesday. Both groups want local authorities to eliminate federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or "ICE", practices from local government.
ICE laws help locate potential threats regarding the nation's border. However, protestors said the policies are unfair and cause Latinos longer stays in jail to be checked for ICE violations.
Though it's a federal law, Jennifer Carrillo of Illinois People's Action believes the local government should have final say on its enforcement.
"The federal government cannot tell localities how they should use their resources and money because that would be commandeering. That would violate the tenth amendment. So this is absolutely something we have a choice locally on," Carrillo said.
The McLean County Justice Committee is seeking federal advice on the issue. No action was taken Tuesday night.
Members of Latinos United for Change and the Illinois People's Action spoke before the McLean County Justice committee Tuesday. Both groups want local authorities to eliminate federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or "ICE", practices from local government.
ICE laws help locate potential threats regarding the nation's border. However, protestors said the policies are unfair and cause Latinos longer stays in jail to be checked for ICE violations.
Though it's a federal law, Jennifer Carrillo of Illinois People's Action believes the local government should have final say on its enforcement.
"The federal government cannot tell localities how they should use their resources and money because that would be commandeering. That would violate the tenth amendment. So this is absolutely something we have a choice locally on," Carrillo said.
The McLean County Justice Committee is seeking federal advice on the issue. No action was taken Tuesday night.
