Oct 11, 2007 9:14 pm US/Central
Feds Looking At Irving Inmate Immigration Program
by Bud Gillett
IRVING (CBS 11 News) ―
The U. S. Department of Justice is now taking a close look at Irving's relationship with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).
The Irving jail currently shares information with ICE. The program has attracted the attention of local Hispanic advocates as well as national media.
ACCION America held a protest rally at Irving City Hall two weeks ago and wants to stage another one Saturday. This time, the organization plans on adding a march, which requires a parade permit.
The march requires extra police and security, which is normally paid for by the event sponsor. But as one Hispanic advocate said, "It's not costing us anything… I guess the city's paying."
But police say they will bill ACCION America after adding up the costs of Saturday's parade.
On Thursday, representatives from the organization met with Irving police to discuss the guidelines of the march.
A Department of Justice representative was also at the meeting. The justice official was apparently invited by another Hispanic rights group called LULAC.
"LULAC asked the Justice Department to sit in," said Irving Police Officer David Tull. "We don't have a problem at all with that."
The move took some Irving officials by surprise.
"It's fine; It's fine for them to show up and take a look at this program," said Irving Mayor Herbert Gears.
The justice official declined to explain her presence at the meeting.
The march will begin at 3 p.m. at the DART station on Rock Island Road and Main Street. A rally will be held at Irving City Hall afterward.
Irving has set up hotlines to address the city's immigration policy and concerns about deportation. Callers can also leave comments about the issue.
For people who speak English, the number is 972-721-2120. For people who speak Spanish, the number is 972-721-2125.
Here's What's Hot Today On CBS11TV.COM:
FBI: White Supremacist Group Targeting DPD
SLIDESHOW: 46 Weird Photos
VIDEO: Toddler Hospitalized After Being Left In Daycare
Teen Struck By Car After Running Into Intersection
VIDEO: Remains Of Texas Vietnam Vet Laid To Rest
Dallas Cowboys More Confident Than Ever
SLIDESHOW: Useless Body Parts
WEB EXTRA: Daycare Owner Promises Changes
T.O. Silent As Dallas Prepares For Favored Pats
VIDEO: Plano Police Investigate Dognapping
Union President Blasts American Airlines CEO
(CBS 11 News)
