By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-945271.mp3
Dallas, TX – Critics say Governor Rick Perry's decision to fast track legislation outlawing sanctuary cities is anti-Hispanic and a diversion from serious budget problems. Supporters say it will curb illegal immigration. From Austin KERA's Shelley Kofler has more on a debate that's heating up.
Governor Perry hasn't said how he defines a sanctuary city or named the cities to be targeted. He's declined to say exactly what he wants local police to do about illegal immigration, which is primarily a federal issue.
This is about as specific as Perry got at a press conference Wednesday.
Perry: There are cities in the state who have made decisions they're going to be havens for those who are either in conflict with federal immigration laws or state laws and we're going to prohibit that.
By declaring the elimination of sanctuary cities an emergency Perry has given lawmakers the green light to sidestep procedures and quickly pass something that cracks down on illegal immigration.
Republican Leo Berman of Tyler thinks Perry's right on target. Berman has already filed an Arizona-style bill that requires local officers to question everyone detained about their immigration status.
Berman: We have two and a half million illegal aliens in Texas costing us $5 billion dollars a year getting free health care and free education and I'd rather see you as a Texan to get free health care and not someone from another country illegally.
But Senator Juan Hinojosa, a Democrat from McAllen, says elevating this issue is anti-Hispanic.
Hinojosa: We are getting the wrong message from the Governor when he talks about sanctuary cities.
Hinojosa says asking police to target undocumented people along the border where he lives is unworkable.
Hinojosa: Law enforcement would be swamped because it's about 90 percent Hispanics. And they'll be asking everybody whether they're here illegally or not.
Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat, says the Governor is crafting a future campaign issue instead of focusing on the most important issue at the capitol.
Anchia: I was extremely surprised that in light of the fact we have the largest budget deficit in modern Texas history the governor did not declare that an emergency item and instead declared sanctuary cities an emergency item.
Some of those who dislike Perry's push say illegal immigration surveillance is already in place under the federal Secured Communities Act. When someone is arrested and booked at participating jails their fingerprints are checked against a federal database. Authorities can check for immigration status and crimes committed and in some cases have the person deported.