Posted: Friday, May 5, 2006 12:00 am
Sheriff Anderson?s comments about the illegal alien issue are timely, professional, on-target and shows his ability to exhibit leadership regarding a vital issue across America.
His critics should recognize he is not addressing legal immigrants, only those who are in violation of the laws of the United States. He is not advocating a general police sweep in the community for immigration purposes only.
That is the job of the federal authorities, however, state and local law enforcement officers who encounter a suspected illegal alien in the performance of their job, have a duty to assist in immigration matters, just as they routinely do in cases of drugs, environmental crimes, etc.
Community leaders who say illegal immigration is not the job of the local police should stop accepting federal funds for their police departments.
Sheriff Anderson should be applauded for his position. Not only is he addressing the flood of illegals with their drain on taxpayer funds, but aptly points out that it is illegal immigration which is the method by which terrorists can and have operated in this country.
True Americans and the legal immigrant population will certainly agree. It?s time to stop pandering to the politically-correct whiners and return America to Americans.
David Foster
Santa Maria