Prince William County police yesterday said 41 of the 89 illegal immigrants encountered last month were arrested but charged only with violating local laws.
Names, addresses and other identifying information on the 89 were given to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who could arrange deportations.
The Washington Times and other news media incorrectly reported that all 89 had been charged.
Police Chief Charlie T. Deane emphasized yesterday that county police have nothing to do with enforcing immigration laws. The new procedure, considered to be a first in the country for combining local and federal enforcement, began March 3.
Twenty-one of those identified as illegal immigrants were not charged with local law violations and were released, Chief Deane said.
The county’s Board of County Supervisors passed a resolution in July to fund the enforcement program. Residents and business owners say it has resulted in a decline in county population and school attendance.
Chief Deane said the program also has had a pervasive effect on residents.
He has cited the example of a woman who called police to report that an officer had followed her car for a while. She thought the officer was watching for a traffic violation so he could stop her and inquire about her immigration status, he said.
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