Mayor Richard Berry promised during his campaign that he would end the Albuquerque Police Department’s policy of only checking someone’s immigration status if it is relevant to an investigation. As debate continues today across the country over Arizona’s SB 1070, Berry announced the city will be taking a tougher stance on illegal immigration, and APD will change the way it processes people in custody. The Prisoner Transport Center will be equipped with gear to check the immigration status of everyone who is arrested. Berry is also providing office space for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the transport center.It has nothing to do with racial profiling, Berry says in a news release. “There are still clear policies in place to prohibit racial profiling in the field. I am on record opposing racial profiling as evidenced by my vote for the anti-racial profiling law while in the Legislature. This approach is not about targeting any group of people based on race.”The New York Times just published a comparison of immigration policies and attitudes in New Mexico and Arizona. Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, applauded the Land of Enchantment for balancing border security with integration of immigrants already in the country.
Albuquerque Mayor Cracks Down On Illegal Immigration
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