Wednesday, August 22, 2007

In New Jersey, a new directive has been issued by the state attorney general (e.a.):
Police officers in New Jersey must now notify immigration officials about any undocumented person who is arrested in connection with an indictable crime, under a directive issued Wednesday by Attorney General Anne Milgram.
[...]
Milgram emphasized that the directive isn’t tantamount to a crackdown on illegal immigration. It also prohibits law enforcement authorities from inquiring about the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses, she said, adding that her office will monitor how police implement it.
Some speculate that the recent Newark murders influenced this decision.
The text of the directive is here. This directive also requires police officers to check the immigration status of those arrested for driving while intoxicated (see page 3 of the text). Will other states/localities adopt this measure?