Some top law-enforcement officials in Illinois are calling for a path to citizenship for the nation’s estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.
A tough new Arizona law is fueling a debate over how local law enforcement should handle the immigrants.
Some police and sheriff’s departments are working closing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Some others say keeping people in jail to determine their immigration status strains local budgets. Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez says too many residents are afraid to report crimes.
PEREZ: In the Hispanic community, there are people that feel that, if they cooperate with us, either them or someone in their family is going to be deported.
This afternoon in Chicago, Perez urged an immigration overhaul. So did Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and some suburban police chiefs.
Immigrant advocates worry their window is closing as Congressional campaigns heat up.