County and city leaders battle illegal immigration issue
By Elizabeth Gentle
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Since Friday's deadly accident that may have involved an illegal immigrant, the topic has once again become a talker. Many want to know what, if anything, can be done to stop it.
Illegal imigration is a problem, especially for law enforcement. There aren't enough trained officers to deal with a growing Hispanic population. That's why city and county leaders are fighting for change.
Felix Ortega was charged with murder in the deaths of two teens who died in a fiery car crash Friday night on Airport Road. Nearly a week later, Huntsville Police still have not addressed his citizenship status.
City leaders are frustrated over the lack of manpower to handle the growing immigration issue.
""Our immigration enforcement comes through two ICE employees. They are Immigration and Customs Enforcement,"" said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
Battle is headed to Washington next week to ask for more officers. Madison County leaders are even considering turning one floor of the new jail into a detaining area to hold illegal immigrants until they can be deported.
Taxpayers told WAFF 48 News that illegal immigration is out of control.
""I think it's bad. I think if they are going to be here they need to become citizens,"" said Heather Balentine.
""Immigration officials aren't doing their job. They are plain not doing it. Ignoring it,"" said Matt Matson.
City and county leaders aren't turning a deaf ear. Since Friday's crash, they are fighting even harder to have changes made. But leaders said it's tough to enforce laws that aren't on the books.
""If we had laws with respect to illegal aliens that would do what needs to be done and it's possible to do that, we need the laws there most of the teens who had their lives in front of them would be alive today,"" said Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks.
Huntsville police officials said Ortega is known by at least three other aliases. WAFF 48 News ran a check of those names and found previous criminal charges.
http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=10239487&nav=0hBE
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