Responsibility for Alien Prisoners

The Times’ June 28 editorial, “Money Grab on Prisoners,” was right on the mark. This is a continuing problem with the feds. However, there is a much better and lasting solution to the problem. Much better for California and other states with similar illegal-entrant prisoner populations: Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, New York, Michigan, et al.

With some reasonably innovative and straightforward federal and states’ reciprocal legislation, there would be no need for the states to continue their plea for federal money. Simply, shift the responsibility to the federal government for the prosecution and incarceration of illegal immigrants after they have been charged with violations of state law, including high-grade misdemeanors. While it would not save police investigative time, it would result in freeing up the state judges, courtrooms, prosecutors and most importantly jail and prison space.

The data you quote, “22,000 illegal immigrants now incarcerated,” is only the tip of the overall problem. If you consider the number actually going through the state criminal justice system, the numbers and the costs are enormous. This system would also make the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants easier and smoother.

I’ve tried with two conservative governors to seek this kind of solution to this continuing problem, to no avail. Gov. Gray Davis is a good guy and sharp enough to understand. Just a thought--maybe California would not have to build any more prisons.

DARYL F. GATES

Police Chief, Ret., LAPD