Immigration Controversy in Montana: Shared Fingerprints

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By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Jul 29, 2010 at 6:27 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 29, 2010 at 6:27 PM MDT

Immigration issues aren't just affecting Arizona. Lewis and Clark County has been chosen as one of the first jurisdictions in Montana to take part in a program that allows the sharing of fingerprint information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Helena jail began sharing information with "ICE" this week which helps federal immigration officials identify inmates who are illegally in the U.S. with previous criminal convictions. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton says the previous system allowed officers to check a national database for outstanding warrants and previous criminal history, but the new system cross references with immigration records.

Dutton says the system is only used once someone is arrested for breaking the law not for racial profiling.

“The controversial part is that we'll use it for profiling, it's not. You have to have probable cause to make an arrest, if you've been arrested for something illegal and you're and undocumented alien, yah, you will face deportation but it's not because of how you look it's because of your behavior,” adds Dutton.

People who oppose the program say it amounts to an excessive dragnet and could lead to profiling before a conviction.

Missoula County is also taking part in this new program.

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Francis said on Friday, Jul 30 at 4:42 PM

Just the rumor of--DE FACTO AMNESTY FROM WASHINGTON---filtering by word of mouth across Mexico, Latin America and the rest of the world--could have desperate, impoverished millions suddenly appearing along the border, ready to run the gauntlet? If you think this couldn't happen, you better read about the 1986--AMNESTY? Call your Senator or Congressman and demand --NO AMNESTY OF ANY KIND. WHAT WE SHOULD DEMAND FROM THE LEGISLATORS IS IMMEDIATE REVITALIZATION OF THE “SAVE ACT & CLEAR ACT.” ALL INCUMBENTS NEED TO JOIN THE JOBLESS. NO OPTIONS! LET’S REMOVE THE CORRUPTED TRASH. FIND FACTS AT NUMBERSUSA & GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION AT JUDICIAL WATCH. Bombard the Washington switchboard at 202-224-3121 WATCH--FOR--ILLEGALS--VOTING--IN--FUTURE--STATE--ELECTIONS--WITH--THE--"HONOR SYSTEM."

Marie said on Friday, Jul 30 at 9:43 AM

Great Job People. Now can you get it in Great Falls too?

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