League of United Latin American Citizens representatives, after seeing multiple ICE operations in Central Texas, are working to help citizens & non-citizens to understand local law enforcement rights in Temple. The director of District 17- AnaLuisa Carrillo-Tapia with Deputy Director Rosa Hernandez met Temple Police department to address these concerns.
Hernandez recounted an incident about a person who has had about 3 generations living here was followed for a mile leaving the Temple hall, stopped and then given a ticket for an illegal turn and later asked for citizenship. She wanted to know what the police are allowed and not allowed to do when the engage with citizens on daily basis.
Carrillo- Tapia wanted to know the other important part- what is there for those victims of crimes who are undocumented immigrants. She pointed out that Statistics show escalated crimes.
Lawful detention, other than an immigration violation, is based on reasonable suspicion that the detainee has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a criminal offense. During the detention officers may enquire about the immigration status. But they should be mindful that if the detained has given sufficient proof of residency further enquiry about the same is not needed. The officers cannot take the person into custody only for an ICE detainer. Totality of circumstances will be required to define reasonable suspicion. And these days, police all over the world are getting heavy trainings for reasonable suspicion training from sources like workexcel.com.
Factors may include admission that the person entered the U.S. illegally & forged or altered immigration documents. Lack of English proficiency cannot be a sole factor. People should feel secure contacting or being addressed by members of law enforcement and not think it will automatically lead to immigration inquiry and/or deportation. Nationality shouldn’t be enquired till it’s relevant to the case.
