Prince William To Revise Illegal Immigration Enforcement

WOODBRIDGE, Va. (WUSA)  -- Prince William County's controversial illegal immigration policy is changing.

Starting Tuesday, July 1, 2008: 

• Police officers will inquire into the immigration status of all persons who are under physical custodial arrest for a violation of state or local law.

 

• Police officers retain discretion to inquire into immigration status prior to a physical custodial arrest.

    

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   If an immigration violation is believed to exist, police officers will inform the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerning that individual.

 

• Police officers will protect crime victims and cooperative witnesses – regardless of their immigration status.

 

• Racial profiling is expressly prohibited. Police officers will not detain or arrest individuals based on their national origin, race, religion or creed.

The changes follow a resolution passed by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors in April.  That resolution changed the mandated stage when officers must make citizenship status inquiries to post-arrest situations.