Residency Status Might Be Checked

County Asked to Enforce Immigration Law

Supervisor John T. Stirrup Jr. (R-Gainesville) proposed Tuesday that the county crack down on illegal immigrants by authorizing police to check the residency status of any person detained who is accused of violating a state law or municipal ordinance.

Currently, Prince William County police inquire about the legal status of suspects only in felony investigations.

In the past few weeks, dozens of residents have come before the Board of County Supervisors urging the members to change the police department policy. Many have told the board that the county is becoming a "sanctuary" for illegal immigrants and have said that the presence of illegal immigrants in neighborhoods is having a negative impact on their quality of life.

The board, which appeared to be divided on the proposal, voted to consider it in two weeks.

"I think the message will be clear that Prince William is indeed closed to illegal immigration," Stirrup said at Tuesday's board meeting.

Stirrup said that illegal immigration may be encouraged by public agencies that do not check legal status. He added that illegal immigration is "destroying the fabric" of the county and that illegal immigration has caused "economic hardship and lawlessness in this county."

Supervisor Hilda M. Barg (D-Woodbridge) was the first to voice concern about the proposal. She asked Stirrup whether he had consulted Prince William County Police Chief Charlie T. Deane. Deane briefed the board earlier this month on the subject, saying that officers investigating felonies check residency status. He added that immigration enforcement is the federal government's responsibility.

Stirrup didn't directly answer Barg's question about whether he had consulted Deane.

"I think we might need a work session," Barg said. "It looks so intense."

Stirrup was not in favor of planning a work session on the proposal. He said two weeks would be ample time for the board to review the resolution.

Supervisor John D. Jenkins (D-Neabsco) also was apprehensive about the resolution.

"There is so much here that touches on state and federal laws," Jenkins said, adding that he believes the resolution "runs contrary" to what the board can do.

Stirrup disagreed. "We are only talking about reaffirming state and federal law," he said after the meeting.

The proposal also would require county police to enter into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to establish a protocol for transferring illegal immigrants into federal custody.

The two-page resolution doesn't address how the county would fund the change in policy. Supervisor W.S. Wally Covington III (R-Brentsville) suggested that a way to offset costs of the additional enforcement would be imposing fines on illegal immigrants.

Earlier this year, the board approved a measure to draw up an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train employees at the county jail to check the residency status of inmates. The agreement is still being worked on.

Chairman Corey A. Stewart was absent from Tuesday's meeting.