“I’ve Arrested Bank Robbers Who’ve Had The Same Excuse.”

The words of Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) Sheriff Jim Pendergraph about the program in his county to catch illegal immigrants.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Jim Pendergraph says there should be little sympathy for illegal immigrants caught by his program: They have already broken the law once by being here illegally, and then been arrested on suspicion of another crime.

"When any of them cross that border without proper documentation, they've violated the law — however insignificant it may seem to some people," he said. "I've heard sad stories about folks wanting to come up here and have a better life and earn money for their family. I've arrested bank robbers who've had the same excuse."

The program identifies illegal immigrants caught committing another crime and sends them for deportation. It does not "hunt" illegals. These are criminals caught doing other things. Their citizenship is checked after they have been captured.

While the program has led to the removal of many illegal immigrants charged with felonies, people arrested for lesser charges such as traffic violations are also subject to deportation. That, according to Hispanic leaders, has created a constant worry for people who are in the United States illegally and now fear deportation after a simple traffic stop.

Many illegal immigrants lack valid licenses. As a result, they now risk not only arrest but also deportation whenever they drive.

Last I checked, driving without a license is a crime. You can do jail time for it whether you are a citizen or not. This article has the usual wailing and gnashing of teeth from the usual voices. But the bottom line is local police agencies are having to step up enforcement action because of Federal failures. The situation is becoming critical as the increasing number of illegal immigrants breaking laws is reaching a serious level in many areas. This is the dark side of the illegal immigration issue that advocates downplay. The sheriff statement is spot on.