Commissioners meeting will discuss Sheriff's role

Erica Molina Johnson / El Paso Times
El Paso Times

County Commissioners Court may pass a resolution at its regular meeting today that would limit the enforcement of immigration laws by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm very much in favor of it," Commissioner Larry Medina said.

Commissioner Miguel Terán placed the item on today's agenda.

The proposed resolution states that "unless otherwise required by law or court order, county agents shall refrain from the enforcement of federal immigration laws."

This means no one is to be singled out for enforcement "based solely on their country of origin, religion, race and ethnicity or immigration status."

The proposed resolution also states that crime victims, witnesses and those approaching officers for assistance will not be asked about their immigration status.

"Local law enforcement is already taxed enough in terms of following their directives," Medina said. "Their responsibility is the enforcing of local ordinances and laws."