Montgomery, AL – Alabama has had 60 state troopers trained to enforce federal immigration laws. And Governor Riley wants more. Riley has asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to train another class of state troopers in immigration enforcement.
The training lasts five weeks and is conducted in Anniston.
State trooper Sergeant Susannna Capps was a member of Alabama's first class in 2003. She says the training helps her spot fake documents that people use to try to get driver's licenses. She figures her training has contributed to about a dozen arrests.
Now everyone likes the training.
Immigrant advocate Helen Rivas of Birmingham says state officials are always talking about not having enough troopers to patrol the highways. She says that should be the priority.
Capps says troopers are not out looking for illegal immigrants. She says enforcement is done only when it comes up as part of their normal duties, such as issuing driver's licenses.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)