Houston Republicans Support Cooperation between Local Police and Federal Immigration Officers
(Sept 29, 2003 -- American Patrol Posted 10/1/01) Houston - The Harris County Republican Executive Committee voted to support law enforcement cooperation between the Houston Police Department and federal immigration officials at their regularly scheduled quarterly meeting Monday night [see facsimile of resolution]. The Committee of elected Republican precinct captains overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling for rescinding Houston Police Department General Order No. 500-5 that prohibits cooperation between HPD and federal immigration officials.
The highly detailed resolution was originally submitted by East Gulf Coast Republican Assembly President Stan Smith at the Committee's May meeting when it was referred to an advisory committee to check its many details. On September 9th the resolution was sent back to the Executive Committee, without change, and was voted on Monday night.
A procedural gaff by Republican Party Chairman Jared Woodfill almost resulted in the resolution not being heard at all. Woodfill, managing a very full agenda, skipped over item # 10 Unfinished Business where the resolution was to heard. Sheryl Berg, and other precinct captains, loudly protested the omission and Woodfill invited her to the podium to resubmit the resolution. Berg read the resolution in its entirety and called for a "yes" vote.
Tom Zakes, a Houston area attorney spoke in opposition to the resolution and was then rebutted by Berg. Anxious to vote on the resolution the question was called and passed with an overwhelming number of ayes, followed by a smattering of nos.
Immigration activists at the meeting congratulated each other on their victory and voiced immediate plans to carry the resolution and the controversial issue to Houston City Hall, and to other Texas cities.
For more information go to www.sanctuarylaws.com
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| A special thank you to Sheryl Berg, Stan Smith, Heidi Carlson and John Nickell, President of POFIR, Police Officers for Immigration Reform. |
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