MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A bill that would expand Alabama law enforcement’s power on immigration enforcement was met with significant criticism during a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
House Bill 13 would enable state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into memorandum of agreement with any federal agency “for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration and customs laws and the detention, removal, and investigation of illegal aliens and the immigration status of any individual in this state.” The state’s attorney general already has the authority to enter these agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“This is to help with the flooding of particularly criminal elements into our country over the last several years and collect grassroots help to work together with the federal government on existing laws that will make our communities more safe,” said sponsor Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, while introducing the legislation…