Sheriffs undecided on immigration bill

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, seeking the support of the nation's sheriffs for the President's immigration reform bill.

What Gonzales got was a solid maybe.

Speaking before sheriffs and other law enforcement during the National Sheriff's Association annual conference, Gonzales stressed how important local law enforcement agencies are to combating violent crime and the illegal immigration problem.

"President Bush and I are well aware that local law enforcement officers, including sheriffs, are the key to our efforts to eradicate violent crime and make our communities safer," Gonzales said, also taking the time to recognize the death of Utah Corrections Officer Stephen Anderson, who was shot and killed by a Utah Prison inmate during an escape attempt on Monday.

The attorney general noted that while overall national crime rates have hit historic lows, rates of violent crimes show a slight increase.

"The president recognizes, just as I do, the vital role many sheriffs, especially those of you in border areas, have been playing in dealing with crime associated with illegal immigration," Gonzales said, adding the immigration problem is a federal one. "It is our responsibility and we need to step up and take care of it," he said, which was met by applause by law enforcement.

Gonzales said the bill would not only increase border security, including the controversial construction of border walls with high-tech monitoring equipment, to a level never seen in U.S. history, but it would also provide a way for immigrant workers to lawfully enter the country under a new temporary worker program.

"The bill represents our best chance at real, meaningful reform and a comprehensive solution to our broken immigration system," Gonzales said.

After his speech, members of the media were ushered out of the room before Gonzales held a private question-and-answer session with NSA members.

Afterward, former Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard, who is now executive director for the National Sheriff's Association, said he felt the NSA's endorsement of the president's immigration bill would be key to its passing; however, sheriffs are divided on the subject.

Saying he didn't want to get into specifics, Kennard said some sheriffs are not happy with some provisions in the president's bill, questioning how practical building border walls would be. If anything, Kennard said, the sheriff's association can function as a way for the Bush administration to hold a direct dialogue with sheriffs, particularly those who patrol areas near the U.S./Mexican border.

Gonzales did note that federal and local law enforcement agencies cannot combat crime alone but need to work together.

Kennard said because the NSA could not reach an agreement during this convention, the group would not be endorsing the president's bill. Still, Kennard said the NSA will work with White House staff and Congress on ammendments that would meet with better approval of America's sheriffs.

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