Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Working to Deputize State Troopers as Immigration Enforcement Agents
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has been negotiating with the federal government to deputize Virginia State Troopers as immigration enforcement agents. The Governor would like state troopers to have the training and ability to ask individuals who have been stopped or detained about their immigration status and plans on making an announcement in the near future.
Gov. McDonnell would like state troopers to act as immigration enforcement officials and make recommendations for deportations.
"We're working on that," he said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a ruling that interprets a 2008 Virginia law, allowing local law enforcement officials to inquire about an individual's immigration status after they individual has been stopped or detained. Cuccinelli's ruling, which under Virginia law is the official interpretation unless overruled by a judge, allows all local law enforcement officials to check immigration status, even during routine traffic stops. Gov. McDonnell stands by Cuccunelli's ruling.
"I think local law enforcement officials have had the authority for a number of years," McDonnell told reporters. "We believe our state and local officers have the ability to make those inquiries . . . and turn them over for the appropriate proceedings."
For more information, see the Washington Post.