Two classes of state troopers have already gone through federal immigration training. Those who successfully complete the five-week training program are authorized to arrest and detain illegal aliens and turn them over to federal officials for deportation.
Since 2003, when Governor Riley signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security giving the state the authority to use specially trained state troopers to enforce federal laws against illegal immigration, more than 160 illegal aliens have been arrested. The agreement makes Alabama one of only three states in the nation with that authority.
"Alabama is at the forefront of a growing movement by states to confront illegal immigration. We're doing more to fight illegal immigration than any other state in the country," Governor Riley said. "Before we reached this agreement, our state troopers could not arrest illegal aliens. Now when they get this training, they're able to arrest illegal aliens, and that strengthens our nation's homeland security."
The Riley agreement has gained the state national attention. Media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, Fox News Channel, the New York Times and the Arizona Republic have profiled Alabama's efforts.
While requesting federal training for another state trooper class, Governor Riley has also directed the Department of Public Safety to assist local law enforcement agencies in accessing federal resources and training that will help them address problems and issues associated with illegal aliens.
"We should empower all our law enforcement officers to arrest anyone who is here illegally. If an individual is here illegally, they should be arrested and sent back to where they came," said Governor Riley.
"Governor Riley is right when he says that local jurisdictions can play an important role in identifying those who are part of the criminal element that has entered our country illegally," said Colonel Mike Coppage of the Department of Public Safety.
Colonel Coppage added that DPS is planning a series of classes across the state to assist jail administrators in identifying fraudulent immigration documents.
The cost of the training, including the cost of instructors and training materials, is covered by the federal government. The state pays the salaries and any travel costs incurred by state troopers participating in the training.
Several of the illegal aliens arrested in Alabama since the Riley agreement went into effect in 2003 had previous criminal convictions, including convictions for armed robbery, drug smuggling and rape
