The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington opposes the partnership of local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.In a press release, Bishop Ronald Gainer says the use of a federal program known as 287g could lead to racial profiling, which he calls “immoral and unjust.”
The use of such a program “will not make for a safer community but would created one of fear, hate and discrimination,” the bishop’s statement continued.
Under such a program, local law enforcement agencies can request federal funds to receive training in the enforcement of U.S. immigration law.
In Kentucky, Gov. Ernie Fletcher has sought the training for five state corrections officers.
The statement was released and read by Sister Sandra Delgado from the Diocese’s Office for Hispanic Ministry at a press conference of Lexington advocates.
They gathered in the LFUCG Government Center Thursday to comment on the mayoral commission on immigration’s report delivered on Tuesday to Mayor Jim Newberry.
The recommendations include municipal identification cards, enhanced code enforcement, enforcement of all labor laws and advocating for a change in state law that would grant driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
After receiving it, Newberry said he was not interested in the ID card suggestion or pursuing a change in driver’s licenses with state leaders.
The advocates urged Newberry and Urban County Council members to support the immigration committee’s recommendations. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce