HPD policy on immigration status to be re-examined

(12/19/05 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Their job is to serve and protect. But another responsibility could be asked of Houston police officers -- cracking down on illegal immigrants

For more than a decade, HPD's policy has been to not ask anyone about their immigration status. But now Mayor Bill White is asking the police chief to consider possible changes.

The mayor has been under considerable pressure to change the police policy. He has now asked Chief Harold Hurtt to look into the policy. Hurtt has not been asked to change it, but to evaluate the policy at this time.

Immigration reform activist Juan Alvarez and his wife are passing out flyers informing day laborers of their civil rights. He says keeping laborers safe is already an uphill battle, and if the Houston Police Department changes its policy, safety among Houston's Hispanic population will be greatly compromised.

"Promoting safety is a big risk right now," Alvarez asserted. "Because if they change the policy, everybody is going to suffer. No Hispanic community is going to report crimes to the police department."

Alvarez's point is one reason why the Houston police officers generally do not ask people about their immigration status. Still, the fact that HPD is looking at the policy is good news for outgoing council member Mark Ellis.

He said, "I think it's a step in the right direction."

But just reviewing the policy isn't good enough for members of the Minutemen organization.

"When you detect that someone has no proof of identification, has no driver's license, has no insurance, doesn't speak English, then you need to go one step further and ask them to provide documentation that they're in this country legally," said Chuck Ratliff with the Houston Minutemen.

HPD, though, is far from that point and until the department either reaffirms or alters its position, Juan Alvarez will continue his work educating day laborers.

No decisions of any kind are expected until early next year. The debate, however, will continue.
(Copyright © 2005, KTRK-TV)

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