LOS ANGELES, March 31 (UPI) -- Los Angeles police are working on guidelines that could lead to closer cooperation with immigration authorities when dealing with illegal immigrants.
The Los Angeles Times said Thursday the changes are aimed at getting criminals off the streets who are in the United States illegally; however, it would also mark a departure from a long-standing policy of not turning illegal immigrants over to immigration agents.
LAPD officers have been barred from inquiring about an individual's immigration status for more than 20 years on the theory it encourages victims and witnesses to crimes to come forward.
The Times said officers have been complaining recently the rules prevent them from checking on and arresting suspects they believe are felons who have come back to the United States illegally after being deported.
Immigration activists told the Times they were opposed to the LAPD becoming "stalking horses" for the immigration service and called for extensive outreach to law-abiding immigrants before making any major policy changes.
