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Proposal Would House Prisoners In Mexico; novel idea
Topic Started: Feb 17 2005, 02:57 AM (65 Views)
TexasShadow
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Jane
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AZ_...EMPLATE=DEFAULT

PHOENIX (AP) -- Some lawmakers want to explore the possibility of the state contracting to have a private prison built in Mexico to house illegal immigrants now incarcerated in Arizona.

The idea was promoted as a way to reduce the state's heavy costs in imprisoning the 3,600 to 4,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona prisons who have been convicted of crimes. Opponents questioned whether the state has the legal authority to move the foreign prisoners to Mexico.

In any event, a proposal (HB2709) to have the state seek proposals for such prison cleared its first hurdle Wednesday at the Arizona Legislature in a 4-2 vote by a House committee.

The bill is one of many moving through the Legislature that tries to confront the problems caused by illegal immigration.

More than any other state in recent years, Arizona has been dogged by a heavy flow of illegal immigrants after the government tightened enforcement in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego during the mid-1990s.

Several Arizona lawmakers have said the federal government hasn't done enough to confront illegal immigration and therefore has dumped massive costs on the state.

Gov. Janet Napolitano has recently billed the federal government for nearly $118 million in unreimbursed costs for imprisoning illegal immigrants.

The Mexico prison idea was proposed in the 1990s but shelved, partly due to legal concerns. It was revived in 2003 to help cover budget shortfalls but was rejected by a key legislative committee.

"We really lose nothing but we set the table with what is a reasonable proposal," said Republican Rep. Russ Jones of San Luis, sponsor of the bill.

Democratic Rep. Ted Downing of Tucson, an opponent of the proposal, said the bill raises questions about jurisdiction, such as which government would have the ability to seek prisoners if they escape from such a prison.

Republican Rep. John McCommish of Phoenix, who also voted against the bill, questioned whether the state could fulfill its responsibility to oversee a prison if it was located in anther country.

"This is a creative idea and worthy of exploration," said Republican Rep. Bill Konopnicki of Safford.

Still, Konopnicki said he's not sure the idea would prevail if it were considered by the full House.

Posted Image "A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."
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cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
Just as manufacturing is cheaper I imagine so too would running a prison be though the legal questions do need addressing.

Why Mexico, why not India? Or Siberia?
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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MrsS
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Hessia/Germany
TexasShadow
Feb 17 2005, 08:57 AM
...if they escape from such a prison.

I`m sure that in Siberia they would not try to escape... :floorrollin:


Anneliese
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jackd
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Can I assume these 3,600 to 4,000 illegal immigrants will be sent back to Mexico at the end of their sentences anyway?
If so, why keep them in Az. in the first place.
Ship them back to Mexico and pay the Mexican govern. half of what it would cost to keep them in the US and ask for a guarantee they'll never come back.
Walk in front of me, you lead me,
Walk behind me, I lead you
Walk beside me, you are a friend.
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TexasShadow
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Jane
my only question is why Arizona has to foot the bill for illegal immigrants. seems to me it's a federal crime, so it should be paid for by the feds.
as to where to put them, they need to fly them to the southern border of mexico so it will take them awhile to get back up here.
putting them across the line at Nogales is a laugh. They just walk a half mile or so and come back in that very day.
Posted Image "A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."
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tomdrobin
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I just read an article today about the deportation of illegals who had come in contact with the criminal justice system. According to that article, deportation was increasing at a rapid pace. I wonder why it hasn't happened in Arizona? Seems silly to house them in jail here if they aren't citizens anyway. Better, to turn them over to Mexico. And, isn't entering the country illegally a crime? So that makes them criminals and subject to deportation immediately anyway. Of course Mexico could turn them loose, and they would reenter illegally again. But, IMO the price for doing that should be escalated to the possibillity of being shot. Only way we are going to stem this problem is to get tough with measures like shooting those trying to illegally cross the border. A few casualties and the word would get around. Now, what is the penalty? Free room and board in a US prison? Probably better than life in Mexico for some. I also, read today that El Quida has intentions of entering the US through Mexico, as that would be the easiest entry.
We have got to aggressively secure our southern border. Not, only because of economic consequences, but for security as well.
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cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
Jane, the reason AR has to foot the bill may be related to Bush's tax cut unmatched by spending cuts. Ut not only forces increased borrowing, but puts more burden on the states to make up the difference paying for unfunded federal mandates. Another example of this is the increased cost of higher education.


Tom, shooting them won't deter. Many locations they are forced to cross desert and many die, but they keep coming. This is the promised land. Supply and demand. You'd need an army to stop the supply, enforcement of existing regulations to stop demand, except that hurts business. Perhaps Bush's guest worker proposal is the compromise needed.
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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