{Insert Location}  -  Under an amendment passed in the Homeland Security Committee today more state troopers and local law enforcement officials nationwide could help federal immigration officials identify and detain suspected illegal aliens, Congressman Mike Rogers said.

Rogers’ amendment would increase to $40 million the amount of funding available for the federal immigration training program. The initiative, which allows local police to enforce immigration law, is managed by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

“Clearly our nation must do a better job in monitoring illegal immigration,” Rogers said. “This program is a win-win for local law enforcement and federal immigration officials, and helps address an ongoing shortage of qualified immigration enforcement personnel.”

Rogers explained under the 1996 Immigration and Nationality Act any state or local law enforcement agency can request permission to enforce immigration law. In 2003, Alabama became one of three jurisdictions nationwide to enter into an agreement with the federal government to train selected state troopers. Twenty-one state troopers completed the five-week course. The training took place at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Calhoun County.

“When it comes to enforcing our immigration laws, border or coastal states like Alabama need all the help they can get. Hopefully this amendment will help expand this program and I appreciate the support of Chairman Cox as we move forward,” Rogers said.

Rogers explained the program is voluntary and applies only to border or coastal states like Alabama. Local police receive training that mirrors the immigration training that ICE agents receive and includes specific instruction that stresses immigration and nationality law, as well as cultural sensitivity and civil rights instruction. Local police may enforce immigration law in connection with people they encounter only while performing their normal duties.

Rogers’ amendment was added to H.R. 1817, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2005. He is chair of the subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight.