Phoenix panel deciding rules on how far cops can go on immigration

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX — It will be a while longer before a special panel is ready to weigh in on the city's plans to have police officers enforce immigration law.

At issue is when police should have the ability to contact Immigration and Customs officials about someone they have detained. Under the current policy, most people who commit traffic violations or misdemeanors are not questioned about their immigration status.

Mayor Phil Gordon had wanted the panel to have its worked wrapped up by year end. But members said the holidays made it impossible to finish the task.

The panel members say they likely will be finished with their work and ready to make a recommendation to the mayor by mid-to-late January.

"We haven't set a specific date, but we do hope to be done with this by January," said Paul Charlton, a former U.S. attorney and member of the panel. "We just don't know yet."