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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Increased funding nixed for immigration enforcement by localities
The Democratic majority among House appropriators rejected attempts Tuesday to boost spending for a program that trains local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.
Rep. John Carter, a Texas Republican, tried to add $12 million for the controversial program, named “278-g” for a section of federal immigration law. Fans say partnering with localities is the way to combat illegal immigrant gangs and serious crime, but foes say the program results in ethnic profiling and intimidates the immigrant community.
The House Appropriations Committee, working on spending levels for the 2009 fiscal year that begins next September, voted to keep funding at the current level, which is $42 million. That would be enough to continue the training for up to 176 localities, said Rep. David Price, D-N.C., who noted the program has grown sevenfold since 2006.
