WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has sent a letter to Alabama police agencies warning them not discriminate against Latinos as they enforce the state's tough new immigration law. Meanwhile, the state's attorney general says parts of Alabama's new immigration law should be changed.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, who heads DOJ's civil rights division, sent the letter last week to Alabama's 156 police agencies that receive federal funding. Perez warned that agencies risk losing funding if they violate federal policies barring discrimination. He also said DOJ officials are monitoring the law's implementation to ensure there are no civil rights violations.
The Obama administration has sued Alabama to block the law that allows local police to detain people suspected of being in the country illegally. Parts of the controversial law have been blocked by a federal judge, but police can still arrest suspected illegal immigrants.
ALA. AG SAYS CHANGE LAW
Alabama's attorney general is recommending that the Legislature repeal some portions of the state's tough new immigration law that have been put on hold by federal courts and clarify some others.
In a letter to legislative leaders, Attorney General Luther Strange recommended repealing a section that makes it a crime for an illegal immigrant to fail to carry registration documents. He also suggested repealing the requirement that public schools collect information on the immigration status of students. He said both sections have been put on hold temporarily by federal courts.
Strange said the proposed changes would help law enforcement and remove burdens on law-abiding citizens.
He also recommended repealing sections allowing lawsuits to compel public officials to enforce the law. He said that conflicts with the Alabama Constitution.
Monday
July 14th, 2025
6:38PM
