LOS ANGELES : City Fighting Senate Move That Could Bar U.S. Funds
The Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Richard Riordan are fighting a U.S. Senate action that could strip the city of up to $10 million that it had hoped to receive to hire new police officers under President Clinton’s crime bill.
The council and mayor both called for reversal of an amendment attached to the bill last week that would cut off funding to cities that are deemed to be uncooperative with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in rounding up illegal immigrants.
Sen. William V. Roth Jr. (R-Del.) cited Los Angeles as one such city in arguing for his amendment, which was approved by a 93-6 vote. Both California senators, Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, voted for the proposal.
Under city policy, Los Angeles police do not stop people solely to determine their immigrant status. But following arrests, officers are instructed to report to the immigration service felons and serious misdemeanor violators who are in the country illegally.
City officials said Tuesday that they believe the policy is cooperative enough for the city to get federal funding.
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