Think law enforcement's not tough enough on immigration? Now you can sue!

[eppur_se_muova]

Alabama immigration law option to sue police runs counter to trend
Published: Friday, August 26, 2011, 8:30 AM
By Mary Orndorff -- The Birmingham News The Birmingham News

WASHINGTON -- Alabama's immigration law uses an unusual tactic for a state that has been a national leader in limiting the ability of residents to sue their government -- it exposes police and prosecutors to lawsuits if they fail to enforce the new law.

Section 5 of the law invites citizens to sue their local cop or court official if they believe the immigration laws are not being fully enforced. Although they can be sued only in their official capacity, the law enforcement officials can be fined and government funding to their offices halted.

The section is intended to prevent certain cities or counties from becoming sanctuaries where the law is only lightly enforced and information about someone's questionable citizenship status is not forwarded to federal immigration officials.

But it has become another concern for law enforcement personnel who already fear the law will fill their jails, burden officers with paperwork and expose them to accusations of racial profiling.

"If someone really wants to go after law enforcement, that's something they can use against us," said Northport Police Chief Robert Green. "It's one of the major reasons why I strongly opposed the new law."
***
more: http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2011/08/alabama_immigration_law_option.html




Oh, happy day! More power for would-be vigilantes! Welcome news for the White Citizens Councils.