Should Local Law Enforcement Enforce Illegal Immigration Laws?

America is a huge family and has flourished for well over 200 years.  The branches of our family tree reflect that our family members come from all parts of the world and compose all or nearly all religions, ethnicities and races and at the base of these branches is a sturdy trunk where we all come together as Americans.  America has always experienced internal problems but like the majority of families we have always come together as one in times of crisis.  Americans of all colors, creeds and religions have fought, bled and more times than we as a nation like, died for the freedom that we as Americans cherish and enjoy.  People from throughout the world look to America as a shining light of freedom.

The freedom of our nation and our communities is based on the rule of law.  Just as our armed forces protect us from foreign aggression our law enforcement officers, federal, state and local are charged with the responsibility of keeping our citizens free from crime.  American has a right to expect that all of our laws are enforced and that law enforcement, at all levels, does not selectively enforce the laws of our nation, state and communities.  When “Political Correctness” dictates what laws are not enforced we are no longer a nation of laws, we are a nation which has lost its’ moral bearings.

In California our state is facing a crisis in our prisons from over crowding.  It is estimated that in fiscal year 2002 that of criminals sentenced under federal guidelines 36% were non-citizens and 55% of the non-citizens were in our nation illegally.  Illegal aliens enter America from all of our borders, North, South, East and West..  In 2004 over 23,000 individuals with criminal histories were apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol trying to enter the United States illegally.  That figure reflects only the number who were apprehended, we have no way of knowing how many other illegal aliens with criminal histories entered America without being apprehended.

Illegal immigration is more than a national security problem; it is also very much a question of personal and family security and safety.  The San Diego Union Tribune reported in an article in their December 4, 2008, edition that “Mexico’s death toll from drug violence has soared above 4,000 so far this year, and drug-related murders and kidnappings are spilling over the U.S. border as well."  The same article relates that “President Felipe Calderon has said more than half of state and local police can’t be trusted, and federal ranks are rife with corruption.”  If we are to stop the murders and kidnappings that are spilling over the U.S. border than local law enforcement must work with federal authorities.

It has been said by many that San Diego County is in fact a “Sanctuary County”, a county which looks the other way and practices very little cooperation with federal law enforcement to stem the flow of persons entering our nation illegally.  Who does the public look to when elected officials fail to see the “elephant” of illegal immigration in our county?  It has been reported that illegal immigration in California has cost the taxpayers of our state approximately $9 billion per year. Neither the State of California nor you or I can afford this expense any longer.

Law enforcement cannot stop illegal immigration by “painting with a broad brush”.  It is obvious, even to the casual observer, that illegal immigration cannot be tied to race.  Illegal entry into this nation and this state involves peoples of all races, colors and creeds.  Law enforcement must also come to the realization that enforcing the law is neither racist nor does it reflect bigotry.  Apprehending all criminals and proactive practices of preventing crime is their core responsibility whether they are federal, state or local law enforcement.  All law enforcement officers when first sworn into office took an oath to “Protect and Defend the Constitution of The United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic”.

Local law enforcement must communicate and cooperate with federal law enforcement on a daily basis.  Such a practice is a simple step towards achieving the goal of protecting the public.  As sheriff I will work closely with federal law enforcement authorities to stop the problems we are currently experiencing.