Springdale Eyes Program To Identify Criminal Aliens

Last updated Friday, April 6, 2007 8:56 PM CDT in News

By Steve Caraway
The Morning News

    SPRINGDALE -- Springdale may join Rogers in applying for permission to participate in a program designed to deport illegal immigrants, especially those who have committed a crime.

    Police Chief Kathy O'Kelley asked the city council's Police and Fire Committee on Friday to support an application to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to participate in the 287(g) section of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. The participation would allow trained officers to recognize false documents and conduct an immigration inquiry.

    Committee members quickly voiced approval for a memorandum of support for the application, to be forwarded to the entire council for a vote April 10.

    Aldermen, like O'Kelley, stressed the program would affect only illegal immigrants who commit crimes, not legal residents of the city.

    "Our goal is not to harass the Hispanic community," said Alderman Bobby Stout. "They, like everyone else in the city, do not want criminals here."

    Four different law enforcement agencies have discussed joining the 287(g) program, O'Kelley said. Rogers sent in an application, while Benton County and Washington County sheriff offices have discussed the move.

    "We have been discussing the plan for three or four weeks," said Tim Helder, Washington County sheriff. "If other agencies become involved, we may be forced to join. It would generate that much more business for us."

    The committee's memorandum would commit to paying for the program, with exact costs yet to be totaled. O'Kelley reiterated the costs could climb, but she recommended going with the program to keep the city from becoming a refuge if Rogers is approved for the program.

    "We are hearing reports people are moving to Springdale after Rogers decided to apply for the program," O'Kelley said. "We do not want an influx of illegals moving here."

    Rogers applied to join the program in November and expects a decision soon. O'Kelley, in her talks with Immigration, learned the applications to the program were mounting quickly. A delay in applying by a few months could create a delay in acceptance by as much as two years, she said.

    The program would apply to any illegal resident committing a crime, no matter what country they left to move to Springdale, O'Kelley said. Hispanics were used to establish the scale of the program, since the ethnic group is the largest in the city, according to a special census in 2005. The census determined 32 percent of the 62,000 residents were Hispanic.

    A Rockefeller Foundation study by the Urban Institute, which was released this week, estimated 51 percent of Hispanics in the state are illegal. If true for Springdale, the number of illegal immigrants would be about 9,800.

    Springdale is interested in the detention model instead of the task force model, O'Kelley said. Following the detention model, the decision to investigate the legal status of a person would come at the station house, not on the street.

    The location of the decision made a big difference to Val Gonzales, a member of O'Kelley's Hispanic Advisory Board.

    "That should take away racial profiling," Gonzales said. "No one wants to be harassed."

    Some residents are assumed to be Hispanic by their looks, Gonzales said, including American Indians and Marshallese.

    "People talk to them in Spanish, and they don't understand," Gonzales said. "You can't judge by appearance."

    O'Kelley's plan for the program calls for three officers to be trained by the federal agency. The training would take up to five weeks at a possible cost of $10,000 for transportation, food and lodging. The training cost could be less if several area agencies join and go through training at the same time. Adding three officers would cost about $127,000, plus additional vehicles and uniforms.

    Other costs could include overtime, transportation and incarceration in a county jail. The cells at the Springdale police station do not meet federal regulations, a requirement for the program.

    "ICE has some funds for the program, but we don't know how long that would last," O'Kelley said. "The more agencies in the program, the less each one would receive."

    If 51 percent of the arrested Hispanics were illegal, following the percentage in the city, the arrests affected by the program could range from more than 1,000 to less than 400. If all felonies and Class A, B and C misdemeanors were examined for a possible document search, 1,057 would be projected to be affected. If only felonies, Class A misdemeanors and selected Class B were examined, 399 would become the projection.

    "I think the program would be cost effective," said Alderman Eric Ford. "It could pay for itself when word got around."

    At A Glance

    Determining Legal Status

    Grounds for determining legal status if Springdale is approved for participating in the 287(g) program.

    An arrested person who:

    w Does not possess any documentation to support proof of legal residency.

    w Possesses documents that officers have a reasonable suspicion are forged or fictitious.

    Source: City of Springdale

    Reader Comments (33 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    Communities wrote on Apr 7, 2007 2:42 AM:

    " If we want a peacefull law abiding community then we need this program. We just cannot allow the mentality that it`s ok to be here and commit crimes. If they want to commit crimes then they need to do it in their own country. This is not Mexico nor should we allow law breakers impose their culture here. Simple as that, live in Amerca, be an American. "

    Concerned Citizen wrote on Apr 7, 2007 9:02 AM:

    " With an illegal immigrant population estimated at 10 thousand (likely a low estimate) this will be nothing more that window dressing. Businesses that employ illegal immigrants must be targeted. If an illegal immigrant does not have a source of financial support they cannot survive in Northwest Arkansas. It is similar to the narcotics trafficking problem. Law Enforcement cannot target the user as much as they must target the distributor. ICE needs more help in Northwest Arkansas that is for sure and maybe three officers from Springdale and six from Rogers will help, but where are the Sheriffs at in all this? Oh yeah, they are politicians and taking the politically safe road. "

    Federal Problem First wrote on Apr 7, 2007 10:31 AM:

    " I agree this is only a band-aid. This issue is really one for the federal government, but they lack the backbone to stand up to big business. They are also afraid they might lose a vote or two. How ironic they don't realize the votes they would get for actually enforcing the law. Anyway, back to the point. Local governments can only afford to do so much. This is a good step in the right direction. "

    This Hispanic Applauds You wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:46 AM:

    " As a Hispanic I want to applaud the chief for going about this the right way: With the involvement of those who have the potential to be most impacted by this program, the Hispanic citizens. This is one more tool for law enforcement to help keep our Hispanic neighborhoods safe, thank you chief. I also thank Springdale for not comporting themselves like Rogers, thumbing their noses at Roger's concerned Hispanic citizens. Rogers has alienated the very community that seems very willing to embrace Springdale's actions and why? Because the concerns of all members of the community were heard and not just the complaints of the xenophobes. To this day Womack, Roger's mayor sits on his ivory throne unwilling to listen to the concerned citizens in the community. I agree that this program will be quite expensive and could lead to further hidden expenses like legal battles, attorneys and the like; God help our crime rate, if we have to ignore outstanding warrants to do the job that the Feds should be doing. My hope is that Springdale abandons shortsighted politicians like AR Representative John Woods and instead embraces the good common sense of AR representative Jim Medly who is demanding that our federal government do something about immigration reform. Unfortunately US Representative Boozeman has been paying NWA lip service and has not done what he was elected to do. He has stood in the way of common sense reform, along with other Right wing anti-immigrant zealots. "

    To Communities wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:56 AM:

    " Do people like you always have to speak that way about someone's home country. What do you know about Mexico other than what you imagine? What's wrong with you? Do you think that Mexicans want crime in their neighborhoods? And why don't you also cut out that nonsense about people imposing their cultures on you. Are there laws forcing you to go to some Mexican re-education center?" Are you children being forced to learn Spanish in school? Some Mexicans are very desirous to be American and some are simply working and biding their time until they can retire in their homeland; this is no different then thousands of Americans who retire overseas or in Mexico. Your inflammatory statements only lead to racial tensions. There is enough of that talk going around it's time to stop this nonsense. "

    Been there Done that wrote on Apr 7, 2007 1:12 PM:

    " I`ve been to Mexico, it`s a known fact that Mexico is over-run with the drug cartel. I also hear from those who have lived there and some who moved back to Mexico, so don`t accuse me of not being aware of what goes on in Mexico. As far as them imposing their culture on us do you think when the whole block has to listen to their music that that is not imposing their culture on us. Who wants to listen to it, they do it to impose it on us. Do you think were all a bunch of ignorant fools ? "

    widow wrote on Apr 7, 2007 1:22 PM:

    " Yes and I am real tense. It is about time we sent them all back. Talk about law breakers. If you are an ILLEGAL, does that mean you are law abiding or in my book a criminal? Who cares what they want. If we went to Mexico they would jail us or send us packing. Why does our government close it's eyes to this nonsense? If you are on their side then you can go back with them when they go. But excuse me, they won't go anywhere because of this do nothing government we have.So in the meantime we will just suffer. Lose our jobs to them. "

    To Been There Done That wrote on Apr 7, 2007 2:25 PM:

    " I'm shaking my head as I write this, I can't believe I am about to address your comments. Every country has it's problems including ours; we have more than our fair share of drug addicted users who perpetrate thier crime on innocents in order to support thier habbits. The mountain areas of our lovely country have enough of those "funny plants" grown on them to supply it's demands nicely. Does everyone do this? of course not and we have places for those that choose to. Unbelievable? So now America is expected to enact expensive laws against immigrants because you do not enjoy hearing their music? Do you expect to be taken seriously? I've had to listen to more sad Southern country songs than I can count, some I liked and others I did not, however what I've never done is ask my governement to enact legislation against a group of people simply because I'm not cultured enough to appreciate diversity. "

    To The Widow that needs a massage wrote on Apr 7, 2007 2:42 PM:

    " If I hadn't read the latest report on unemployment, I would think that 300 million Americans had just lost their job to the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. I know that "Mexicans" are a hard working bunch but I doubt 11MM can displace 300MM American workers. Unemployment is down and at historic lows, so find some other excuse to be angry. FYI: There are those who would love to enact comprehensive immigration reform but certain lawmakers would rather stay in power than get anything done. So why don't you contact your United States representative and tell him to support the Guttierez and Flake bi-partisan immigration reform bill or….you can stay tense and we'll see how much you get accomplished? Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I am on America's side. "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 7, 2007 4:18 PM:

    " That is great news. At least our local officials see the problems and are acting accordingly. The illegals think they can come into the United States of America and do whatever pleases themselves for nothing. Just like the demonstration planned in Los Angeles on Saturday by the illegals to protest the White House's decission on immigration reform.(Story @www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17993388) ILLEGALS DO NOT HAVE RIGHTS ! ! ! ! They're mad because they would be required to register legally and pay fines up to $20,000. Well it has cost us AMERICANS are lot more than that to maintain our freedoms. To me the illegals wouldbe getting off very, very cheap for their freedoms and rights. "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 7, 2007 4:23 PM:

    " Sorry Again www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17993387..... Well time for a new keyboard. "

    No Amnesty wrote on Apr 7, 2007 7:00 PM:

    " There are laws in America, I know, what a concept huh? They were enacted when Ellis Island was built to help control the influx of new people into this country and many, many people that came here from foreign lands were more than happy to go through the naturalization process and became proud hardworking American Citizens..........If a person wants to come to this country to better themselves and their life then they need to do it LEGALLY!!!!........No amnesty, you wont get that in other foreign lands if you go their, they have immigration policies as well, that are a lot more strict than ours.........I hold no personal feelings against any race but if they come here breaking the law upon entry or after than they pay the price, its that simple.......With that said I am glad to see local law enforcement finally doing something to help curb a major problem.........I am also for securing the borders of America as well.....To support the laws of this country is not racist as some purport, it is about having some kind of order in society........If you are here illegally you have two choices, to go back to where you came from, or naturalization, its that simple! "

    No Amnesty wrote on Apr 7, 2007 7:08 PM:

    " cont'd.....Now if you did come here illegally and choose naturalization be prepared to be held accountable for the laws that you broke upon entry......One needs to be accountable for their actions, you break the law, you pay the price of that action.......I am tired of hearing all these bleeding hearts that say to those that support the laws of this country that they are racist, or bigoted, or some other card they chose to play.....They need to wake up to the real world.......We have laws here......Illegal Immigrants, like it or not, are a major drain on many facets and those that are paying the price in many areas, are just plain tired of it.....Dont like that, tough beans, live with it. "

    Chefgun wrote on Apr 7, 2007 9:23 PM:

    " My Grandads family came from Germany and Yugoslavia. They had to go through Ellis Island, and when they got here the first thing on the list was to learn English so they would understand how to deal with people in there new country,Their NEW HOME!. Not one of them asked for a handout,or would accept one if offerd,they only asked where there was work to be had. I was told they would go down by the river and shoot a rabbit for dinner and then thank the Lord for there new home. I still have the shotgun that they shot rabbits and birds with for dinner. I just want all folks that come here to do it the right way, and I DO NOT WANT any crimenal ellement here. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:43 AM:

    " To "Deacon" Right on! You said it better than I ever could! "

    Bill wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:52 AM:

    " My ancestors came here from Germany. They did it the right way. Ellis Island. Growing up, we were taught German. And, to this day I still speak it fluently. However, we were not to speak it outside the house. English was the language. Nothing "racist" about it. My ancestors were proud to be here, and loved it. My father was a San Francisco Police Officer, and highly decorated. He made a difference. My ancestors came here legally in compliance with the laws that existed at that time. They didn't take to the streets demanding "rights" or "Amnesty". Nor did they burp out one kid after another without thinking of the consequences, or feeling entitled that the taxpayers will support them. Enough is enough. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:04 AM:

    " And by the way, 20 grand to become a citizen? It's a bargain. You want it? Then earn it. Divert the 60 Billion a year plus to Mexico, and actually earn it. Push comes to shove. Let's see how bad you want citizenship, instead of breaking our laws and whining and crying about it. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:00 PM:

    " to "what would have happened to full of Bill" - I don't know where this "full of Bill" stuff eminated. You mentioned I made "crass" remarks about Irish and Asians? I would have recalled that. My oldest son is a Los Angeles Police Officer. I adore him. I worship each breath he takes. He is also half chinese. So, I know you are confused and have the wrong poster. What I'm about is LEGAL immigration. I could care less where you are from, or your skin color. It couldn't mean less to me. What matters is you come here legally, do whats right, and I will personally put out the welcome mat. If you do it the legal way, you are demonstrating that you wish to be here and will be an asset. Coming here illegaly, marching in the streets, demanding we look the other way AFTER you broke our laws? That doesn't cut it. Not by a long shot. "Xenophobic"? Not hardly. Shame on you. "

    Chefgun wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:20 PM:

    " This is to Bill, You are right on the money with your posts!. Our familys took whatever job they could find to make ends meet,They did not rally in the street for benefits they were not due, they did not fly the flag from there home country,and they did not fly the American Flag upside down!as we see done now. Yes they did form different communities, German, Irish Polish, Italian, Yugoslavian Etc, But they had ONE FLAG and that was for there new Country, The USA. Yes there were probably plenty of new USA folks standing in line for bread and soup along with everybody else that was hungry, But no matter what, they were standing under ONE FLAG, and that was OLD GLORY from there new found HOME! "

    widow can massage her own wrote on Apr 8, 2007 6:41 PM:

    " In construction it is very hard to get work. I don't know if you work construction or not. Add to it so many houses sitting ready to be sold now. Try to get work and time after time they hire mexicans. Talk to people who have had to quit because they had no work. I guess we can all go to the chicken plants and let them have the jobs we have had for years. I do contact my reps but I never see anything being done. They are here to stay. I feel like the government has turned it's back on the people who put them there.What was once a good living just barely scrapes us by now. I wish all people luck. They will move into other jobs sooner or later. They may get yours next. "

    To everyone wrote on Apr 8, 2007 7:14 PM:

    " Eveyone make it sound like it's so easy to be here llegaly, it's long process which take several years. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 5:58 AM:

    " to Chefgun - right on. Thanks. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 6:29 AM:

    " To "to everyone". You're right. It is a long process that can take several years. But, its worth it. For every illegal that decides they are better than those doing it legally, and simply cuts to the head of the line and enters the USA, all they are doing is making it harder for those who wish to do it by the rules. And, to all legal immigrants, thats a slap in the face. I do have a problem with that. This country was built on immigrants. From everywhere. They went through the legal process, sweated and made a life for themselves. their families and the USA. They did the jobs that were deemed impossible. The Hoover Dam? The Empire State Building? The Golden Gate Bridge? They did it. They didn't march in the streets demanding rights. They were happy to be here and make a contribution. It has been suggested that I'm full of hate. Not at all. I'm full of gratitude to the contributions legal immigrants made to the USA. "

    lifelongcitizen wrote on Apr 9, 2007 7:59 AM:

    " Amen, Bill. I'm glad that Springdale is FINALLY doing something! I was beginning to think that our city government didn't have any guts at all! "

    usterluvrogers wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:11 AM:

    " Yes, it is about time that SOMEONE did SOMETHING! Illegal is a crime, no two ways about it. Companies that hire illegals should be heavily fined, welfare should not be given to anyone who is not here legally and babies born here from illegals should not be automatically American citizens. If we stop offering them jobs, free medical and all the handouts, they would have no reason to come here. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:45 AM:

    " To the Web Administor: Thanks for keeping this site open for discussion. I meant to wish you all a happy Easter yesterday, but got preoccupied with family. Whoever you are, I hope you had a great holiday. Thanks. "

    To Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:50 AM:

    " Bill it's not easy at all. You think you can just apply to be llegal. What happens if you dont qualify? what do you then? like others work under other identities and still have to filled your taxes. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:09 PM:

    " Sir/Ma'am; if you don't qualify, then why? If you don't qualify, then you shouldn't be here. With all due respects, am I mising something? "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 12:22 PM:

    " I got a chance to read your full comment. Sorry, I was a tad busy. You stated (your words, not mine)" what do you do then? Like others work under other identities, and still have to filled(sic) your taxes".Well, that makes you a thief. Nobody has any business working under a false name. That would make you a thief. Is that what you are? I'd like to hear your response. I really would. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 9, 2007 1:23 PM:

    " I was thinking about this. I'm neither a "xenophobe" or racist. To OUR TROOPS! GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. There are thousands with hispanic names who paid the ultimate sacrafice. To them, and our Sons named Jones or Smith, we owe you alot of debt. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through. But, they make us proud every single day. I mean, I'm a Vietnam Vet, and what they are going through makes my eyes tear. God Bless the Troops and God Bless the USA! "

    by the way wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:15 PM:

    " Oh and by the way what do you guys think about the military in irak, i don't know if your aware that more than half of them are latinos, should we deport them when they come back "

    To By the way wrote on Apr 9, 2007 3:37 PM:

    " That is a silly question. If they are in the military then they are not illegal. The point of the entire fight is about ILLEGAL not LEGAL. So LEGAL people WELCOME TO AMERICA! ILLEGAL people GOOD BYE! "

    Bill wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:48 AM:

    " To "By The Way"- Personally, I think that if you served in the Armed Forces, you are entitled to citizenship. Our men and women putting their lives on the line for us? Absolutely! I would love to welcome them. To The Troops from an old fud who served, God Bless you and thanks! With all my heart, Thank You. "


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