House Republican Press Release

February 2, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Labriola Bill Would Help Feds Apprehend Illegal Immigrant Lawbreakers

Measure Would Require Police to Check Immigration Status of Persons Arrested on Criminal Charges

State Representative David K. Labriola has introduced legislation designed to assist federal authorities in apprehending illegal immigrants arrested for serious criminal offenses in Connecticut .

The bill (HB 6936), is based on a Georgia law that requires local and state police to check the immigration status of individuals charged with criminal offenses and to report those who cannot prove they are in the United States legally to federal immigration authorities, said Representative Labriola, R-131^st District.

“Illegal immigrants who commit major crimes in Connecticut and elsewhere in the United States are becoming serious threats to public safety,” Representative Labriola said. “Although the federal government is responsible for keeping illegal immigrants out of the United States and deporting the ones who sneak in, it becomes a local and state problem when the criminals among them prey on law-abiding citizens and their families.”

“Currently, when an illegal alien is arrested on a criminal charge, local and state police do not always check their immigration status,” Representative Labriola said. “The result is that illegal immigrants who commit crimes here go to court and their cases are often disposed of with a fine or a diversionary program – and the individuals just go on their merry way. If police were required to check their immigration status when they are arrested for crimes, those who could not prove they were here legally could be turned over to federal authorities and deported to their countries of origin – where they would pose no threat to our citizens.”

“The Georgia law, which is the model for my bill, has proven effective in sharply reducing crimes committed by illegal aliens. The federal government is completely abdicating its responsibility to properly address the illegal immigration crisis. My bill is a commonsense response to a problem that is getting worse every day,” Representative Labriola said.