WASHINGTON - A group charged with reviewing a controversial program to identify illegal immigrants says the Homeland Security Department should use the program to target serious criminals who are in the country illegally instead of people accused of minor traffic infractions.
The program is in use in Hall and a number of other Georgia counties.
The task force on DHS' Secure Communities program concludes in a 33-page report made public Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement should also clarify the goals of the program. Secure Communities has been widely criticized by immigrant advocates and law enforcement for targeting immigrants who are not serious criminals.
DHS spokesman Matt Chandler says the report is being reviewed.