News - Local
Reports- Illegal Immigrants Working Oil Spill
Posted: Jun 9, 2010 1:16 PM by Melissa Canone
Updated: Jun 9, 2010 1:16 PM
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A sheriff in suburban New Orleans has asked
federal authorities to investigate reports that illegal immigrants
are working on the Gulf oil spill cleanup effort.
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack A. Stephens says in a news
release that his department asked Immigration and Customs
Enforcement weeks ago to look into the reports.
Stephens says he wants to protect the community from "criminal
elements" seeking to establish "criminal enterprises." He says
"we're not worried about people who want to earn an honest buck."
Immigrant rights groups lament that the request comes at a time
when many people are searching for work.
Stephens says his office has set up checkpoints in areas
affected by the spill and is working with agencies on a credential
system for BP cleanup contractors.
ICE officials did not immediately return calls.
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