Another article by William Fisher today reports findings from a major study that says putting local police on the "front lines" of immigration enforcement -- like Tennessee's Public Chapter 1112 will do -- distracts federal agencies from their objectives because most of the people turned over to ICE either have no criminal history, or have committed only minor or non-violent crimes.
The study by the Immigration Policy Center, the policy arm of the American Immigration Council, is entitled, "ICE's Enforcement Priorities and the Factors that Undermine Them", by Dr. Michele Waslin, IPC senior policy analyst.
On Friday, November 12th, the Bedford Chapter of Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment will host a panel discussion on Public Chapter 1112, a law that goes into effect in January of 2011 and requires jail keepers to determine the immigration status of every person arrested, booked or held in jail for any length of time. Panelists will help tackle the question: Is this law a new civil rights issue in Tennessee?
The event is part of the Bedford Chapter's annual Community Unity Night, and will begin at 6:30 Central time at the Fly Arts Building, 204 South Main, in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
