Va. Gov. Rejects Immigration Request

RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Bob McDonnell is moving ahead with a proposal that would allow Virginia State Police troopers to enforce immigration laws.

On Monday, McDonnell rejected a request by the Virginia Alliance for Sensible Community Policing Efforts that his administration not pursue civil immigration law-enforcement powers.

"We are particularly concerned about the severe chilling effect that descends on immigrant communities, and especially on immigrant crime victims and witnesses, if they perceive that law enforcement is to be feared rather than trusted, and the subsequent impact on crime reporting and public safety in Virginia," the alliance said in a letter to McDonnell.

McDonnell asked the federal Department of Homeland Security in early August for an agreement that would allow troopers to perform some of the functions now performed by federal immigration officers.

The agreements with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials permit participating state and local police to question and detain illegal immigrants suspected in crimes. If approved, selected state troopers would be trained and given the authority to enforce a limited range of immigration laws.

McDonnell spokeswoman Stacey Johnson said using state troopers is "a common-sense way for the federal government to partner with the commonwealth to improve public safety."

McDonnell sent the letter after state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued an advisory opinion that said police in Virginia had a limited right to question people about their immigration status during a criminal stop or investigation.