Tulsa Police Department's "don't ask" policy regarding illegal aliens is creating a vicious cycle -- fewer reports of crimes by illegal aliens means a perception that Federal support isn't needed.
May 24, 2007City of Tulsa
200 Civic Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103Dear Tulsa City Council,
We firmly believe that a change in Tulsa Police Department’s (TPD) “hands off” policy in dealing with illegal immigration is a vital step towards protecting Tulsa from criminal illegal aliens. We are writing to encourage you to adopt a proposal that would permit TPD to ask for proof of citizenship on all suspected illegal aliens encountered by TPD officers in the course of their regular duty. This policy change should also request that anyone who is found to be unlawfully present in the United States by TPD be reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As you are aware, Mayor Taylor recently introduced a proposal to change TPD’s current illegal immigration policy, which unfortunately would limit the criminal offenses for which TPD officers can call the Department of Homeland Security’s Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) to report immigration violations. By only requiring officers to report illegal aliens who commit felonies, this proposal would prohibit the ability of TPD officers from reporting immigration violations of individuals involved in offenses such as DUI’s, hit and run accidents, simple assault, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or shoplifting, just to name a few. We urge you to reject this proposal.
In order to bring more federal resources to Tulsa, more calls must be placed to LESC reporting immigration violations; they can be reached by calling (802) 872-6060. ICE has repeatedly told us that the Tulsa area has low numbers of illegal alien apprehensions by local law enforcement because proof of citizenship is often not asked for and not reported to ICE, thus depressing the perceived number of criminal illegal aliens residing in our communities. By allowing TPD to report all immigration violations to ICE during every incident with illegal aliens, this will bolster our case for a permanent ICE office and presence in Tulsa, to help alleviate the strain on our communities, and local law enforcement budgets. TPD is one of the largest police agencies in the state and the simple fact is that, without their help in reporting immigration violations to ICE, Tulsa can expect to have difficulty getting a permanent ICE presence and the increased federal resources we so desperately need.
Clearly, we welcome those who wish to come to our country to pursue the American dream through legal measures. America is a nation built by immigrants, who are vital to our culture and society. It is important to note that we are not asking for the Tulsa police to engage in racial profiling. We reject racial profiling as a means to enforce immigration law at all levels of government.
Again, we encourage you to approve this important policy change to permit the TPD to ask for proof of citizenship on all suspected illegal aliens encountered by them, as well as report those violations to ICE. Together we can make an increased ICE presence in Tulsa a reality.
Sincerely,
John Sullivan
Member of CongressJames Inhofe
United States SenatorDr. Tom Coburn
United States Senator
You can register your opinion with your Councilor by dialing 596-192X or e-mailing distX@tulsacouncil.org, where the X is the district number.
Comments (2)
I have sent numerous email to dist9@tulsacouncil.org and NEVER had a reply. I think it is pretty safe to assume what that louse really thinks of his constituents.
Posted by J Wallis | May 25, 2007 7:07 AM
Posted on May 25, 2007 07:07
In my office are several fellow employees who moved here from other countries. They have all learned our language and taken the necessary steps to become citizens. The process for both took over seven years, but in the meantime they dutifully applied for work visas, green cards, whatever it took to comply with our laws.
To grant amnesty to current illegal aliens is abhorent to me. I look at my co workers and what they have accomplished in family and work and I see the work ethic and moral code that spells success. They earned their citizenship and their way in the world. I look at amnesty, and to me it implies taking the easy way at any cost, that cost to be paid by someone else. I don't see amnestied illegals as being productive U.S. citizens. Sullivan is right. Taylor is dead wrong.
Posted by sbtulsa | May 25, 2007 11:26 AM
Posted on May 25, 2007 11:26